Sports · Football · 2 hrs ago
Wales take 1-0 lead into World Cup play-off second leg against Albania
Wales host Albania in Llanelli on Tuesday in the second leg of a Women's World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final.
They lead 1-0 after the first leg and need to get past Albania to move closer to a place at next year's tournament in Brazil.
Wales have reached the play-off stage of major-tournament qualifying only twice before.
They lost a 2023 World Cup qualifying final to Switzerland in extra time, then won their way to Euro 2025, their first major tournament.
Captain Angharad James says the team discussed those contrasting experiences so younger players understand what is at stake.
James and defender Gemma Evans were part of both campaigns, and Evans featured in a memorable win over the Republic of Ireland.
The immediate next step is Tuesday's second leg; if Wales advance, they will move closer to a first Women's World Cup appearance.
Wales take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Women's World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against Albania.
The match is in Llanelli on Tuesday, 13 October, as Wales seek a place at next year's tournament in Brazil.
Captain Angharad James says the squad has discussed the stakes and Wales' past play-off wins and defeats.
Wales have reached the play-off stages of major tournament qualifying twice before, reaching Euro 2025 but missing out on the 2023 World Cup.
- Who
- Wales and Albania's women's national teams.
- What
- Wales take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Women's World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final.
- When
- Tuesday, 13 October, at 19:15 BST.
- Where
- Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli.
- Why
- The teams are playing for a place in the next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Wales lost to Switzerland in the final of their 2023 World Cup qualifying play-offs after conceding late in extra time.
Wales beat the Republic of Ireland in Dublin to qualify for Euro 2025, their first women's major tournament.
Wales beat Albania 1-0 in the first leg of the play-off semi-final in Shkoder.
Wales are due to host Albania in the second leg in Llanelli.
- First-leg score
- Wales 1-0 Albania
- Second leg
- Tuesday, 13 October at 19:15 BST
- Venue
- Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli
- Tournament sought
- Women's World Cup in Brazil next year
- Angharad James
- Wales captain with 146 caps
What people are saying
We have to give everything. It's a final game for us and every game is.
There's a big group of us that experienced that and at the start of this camp we made sure the whole group was aware of how it feels to be on both ends of that.
Sources
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