Wales Women push France all the way despite red card

Jess Fishlock was closest to an equaliser for Wales
Jess Fishlock was desperately close to an equaliser for ten-player Wales. (Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Wales lost a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier 2-0 in France, down to ten players they conceded the second goal in the 90th minute.

Wales looked set to hold their hosts to a goalless first half but a swift break saw Delphine Cascarino square for Kadidiatou Diani to score.

Jess Fishlock was denied a second-half equaliser, her volley from the edge of the box well saved by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.

The task was made harder by Kayleigh Green second yellow card of the night with 20 minutes remaining.

But even so, Sophie Ingle and Fishlock had chances to equalise, with the latter also hitting the woodwork.

France eventually sealed the win at the death, when Selma Bacha’s strike from outside the box found the top corner.

Wales head coach Gemma Grainger told faw.cymru: “We were competitive. We were competing until the last five minutes of the game and we had an opportunity to equalise with 10 players. We were playing one of the top teams in the world and these are the teams we want to play in competitions. In terms of the way the girls performed and what we will take from the game, I feel quite positive.”

Scotland Women suffer heavy defeat to Spain

 

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