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    Cymru vs. Albania | 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – WEQ Play-offs Round 1

    Live

        Live ReportMatch Summary

        1. Rhian Wilkinson speaking to BBC Wales:

          “What you saw today was a completely different Wales, and we need to see more of that team. This is the level this team can play, we now need to have back-to-back performances and Norway is going to demand that for us, and it’s a great challenge for us to work towards.

          “We’re finding ways on hard days to win, Albania was a hard day. On days like this when it comes together you’re seeing a level of football that’s fun to watch and fun to see. You can see them leaving everything on the pitch and that’s what the fans want.

          “We need depth in Wales, we had nine injuries. This is what we want to see, when there’s an opportunity through injury, the youngsters coming in and giving me a headache.”

        3. Mayzee Davies, speaking to BBC Wales after scoring her first goal for Cymru: “It’s amazing, it’s my first professional goal. To get it for my country is honestly amazing. My nan, she’ll be really proud, she’s my biggest fan. To have them (family) up there makes it extra special.”

        4. TICKETS NOW ON SALE

          Tickets for Cymru’s 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off against Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday 1 December (KO 7:15pm) are now on sale.

          Captain Angharad James is excited about the prospect of playing in front of a bumper crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium as Cymru continue their journey to Brazil, saying: “We’ve had so many high moments with this group and hopefully we’ve got the biggest one yet to come with the World Cup. The Red Wall have played a huge part in our journey here and I can’t wait for them to be with us at Cardiff as we look to make history by reaching the World Cup in Brazil.”

          Early bird ticket prices are available until 12pm on Tuesday 3 November. Tickets for the match are available on the FAW ticketing website by clicking here.

        6. MATCH SUMMARY

          Cymru produced a commanding performance when it mattered as Albania were defeated 3-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate to move Rhian Wilkinson’s side one step closer to their World Cup dream in style.

          Scarlett Hill impressed from the substitutes bench in the 1-0 win over Albania in Shkodër last week and was rewarded with a place in the starting line-up, while striker Hannah Cain also joined her in the first XI. Albania head coach Armir Grimaj made three changes to his side as they looked to turn the tie around.

          Cymru made a positive start to proceedings and dominated the early exchanges, with Cain and Elise Hughes combining well with Mared Griffiths and Carrie Jones. Griffiths and Hughes both had decent changes to extend Cymru’s 1-0 lead from the 1st leg, while Albania were restricted to the occasional counter-attack.

          Gemma Evans made an important block to deny Fortesa Berisha midway through the opening half, but Albania’s attacking impotence was exposed from the resulting corner as captain Megi Doçi could only find the side netting. Meanwhile, Hill and Mayzee Davies continued to defend with ease.

          Cymru continued to push forward at every opportunity, and while the final ball let them down, they took a deserved lead on 34 minutes when Davies scored her first senior international goal with a header at the back post. It was a huge moment in the tie, and no more than the home side deserved.

          Any concerns over earlier missed chances were quickly forgotten as Hughes doubled the advantage after 50 minutes as she capitalised on a cross from Griffiths, before both Cain and captain Angharad James had further opportunities but could not make them count.

          The chances kept coming for Cymru as Griffiths shot wide from close-range before Hughes was denied by goalkeeper Rajmonda Spahiu. However, the third goal would finally arrive on 62 minutes as some excellent work by Griffiths on the left allowed Lily Woodham the time and space needed to find Cain in the box.

          The crowd wanted more and Wilkinson’s side were only happy to oblige with the tie effectively over. With a 4-0 aggregate lead, Cymru continued attack in waves and only the post denied substitute Rachel Rowe on 71 minutes. Chloe Williams and Casi Gregson both then came off the bench for their senior Cymru debuts.

          A Parc Y Scarlets record crowd of 4,837 for a women’s international and a record ten games undefeated for this team. Cymru will now face a tougher challenge against Norway in the next stage of this qualifying campaign, but the confidence they will take from this dominant display will give them plenty of belief.

        7. FULL-TIME VERDICT

          Cymru went into this 2nd leg with a one-goal advantage, but any concerns that the lead may not be enough were quickly erased as Rhian Wilkinson’s side dominated from start to finish. Goals from Mayzee Davies, her first for Cymru, was followed after the restart by further goals from Elise Hughes and Hannah Cain to make it 4-0 on aggregate. Albania showed plenty of fighting spirit last Friday, but limped out of World Cup contention this evening. It could and probably should have been a lot more, with creative excellence of Mared Griffiths more than deserving of a goal herself. Cymru will now face Norway in the stage of this qualifying campaign, and their confidence could not be any higher after this impressive performance.

        8. 87'

          Substitution

          WILLIAMS Chloe replaces JAMES Angharad

        9. 86'

          Substitution

          FRANCIS Olivia Seren replaces JONES Carrie

        10. 86'

          Substitution

          GREGSON Casi Marie replaces GRIFFITHS Mared Alaw

        11. 82'

          Substitution

          Arvina Nadiar Islam replaces Qendresa Krasniqi

        12. 81'

          Substitution

          Rexhina Maxhalaku replaces Mikaela Metalla

        13. A crowd of 4837, a record for a women’s international here at Parc Y Scarlets. Diolch for your fantastic support.

        14. 76'

          Substitution

          JOEL Lois replaces CAIN Hannah

        15. 69'

          Substitution

          ROWE Rachel replaces HUGHES Elise

        16. 68'

          Griffiths has been superb for Cymru this evening and deserves a goal of her own.

        17. 66'

          Substitution

          Endrina Elezaj replaces Ilarja Zarka

        18. 66'

          Substitution

          Sara Begallo replaces Fortesa Berisha

        19. Elise Hughes celebrates scoring the second Cymru goal

        20. 62'

          Goal! Excellent work by Griffiths on the left allows Woodham the time and space to cross for Cain to finish. This tie is over.

        21. 62'

          Goal

          CAIN Hannah

        23. 60'

          Hughes is denied by Spahiu after a great ball from James. Cymru are in complete control.

        24. 58'

          A great chance for Griffiths but she shoots wide from close range.

        25. 57'

          Substitution

          Valenita Troka replaces Xhesika Ndoj

        26. Gemma Evans in possession

        27. 56'

          A great piece of skill on the edge of the area from Griffiths. There’s a real confidence in this Cymru team now.

        28. 53'

          A scramble in the Albania penalty area but Cain fails to get her shot on target.

        29. 51'

          Captain James with the effort but she’s denied by goalkeeper Spahiu.

        30. 50'

          Goal! Hughes at the near post to finish off a cross from Griffiths. It’s now 3-0 to Cymru on aggregate.

        31. 50'

          Goal

          HUGHES Elise

        32. 47'

          Albania caused Cymru a few problems in the 2nd half last Friday, and they have to go for it now or their World Cup dream will be over.

        33. 46'

          Albania get us back underway for the 2nd half. No changes from either side.

        34. HALF-TIME VERDICT

          Defender Mayzee Davies claimed her first senior goal for Cymru at the perfect time as Rhian Wilkinson’s side dominated for long periods without being able to put the ball in the net. That particular problem was resolved on 34 minutes when Davies headed the ball home at the back post as Cymru finally breached the Albanian defence to make it 2-0 on aggregate. Albania have been restricted to the occasional counter-attack but have offered very little in attack, and Cymru’s only concern will be that this tie isn’t already over for the way they have dominated this opening half.

        36. That goal came at the perfect time for Cymru as Albania were just starting to grow in confidence.

        37. Lily Woodham takes the ball past Vanesa Levenaj

        38. 34'

          A huge moment in the match and in this tie as Davies heads the ball home at the back post. Cymru lead 2-0 on aggregate.

        39. 33'

          Goal

          DAVIES Mayzee

        40. 31'

          Another good chance for Cymru as they catch Albania on the counter-attack this time, but Woodham fails to find anyone with her cross into the area.

        41. 26'

          Albania force a corner against the run of play but Doçi can only find the side netting.

        42. Elise Hughes tracks Mikaela Metalla

        43. 20'

          Griffiths plays a great ball across the area but neither Hughes nor Cain can get on the end of it.

        44. 17'

          Cymru lose possession but Davies makes an important block as Albania push forward on the counter-attack.

        45. 15'

          Cymru have been dominant throughout the opening 15 minutes of the match, but Albania are holding firm.

        46. 10'

          Hughes heads wide at the near post but is flagged offside again.

        47. The Cymru starting line-up

        48. 7'

          Griffiths goes close with a fierce effort on goal but fails to hit the target. A very positive start from Cymru.

        49. 6'

          Early chance for Cymru but Hughes is flagged offside after putting her shot narrowly wide.

        50. 2'

          A heavy challenge from Ndoj on Cain on the edge of the area but Albania comfortably defend the resulting free-kick.

        51. 1'

          Here we go! Cymru get us underway.

        52. TICKETS NOW ON SALE

          Tickets for Cymru’s 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off against Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday 1 December (KO 7:15pm) are now on sale.

          Captain Angharad James is excited about the prospect of playing in front of a bumper crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium as Cymru continue their journey to Brazil, saying: “We’ve had so many high moments with this group and hopefully we’ve got the biggest one yet to come with the World Cup. The Red Wall have played a huge part in our journey here and I can’t wait for them to be with us at Cardiff as we look to make history by reaching the World Cup in Brazil.”

          Early bird ticket prices are available until 12pm on Tuesday 3 November. Tickets for the match are available on the FAW ticketing website by clicking here.

        53. The anthems are complete and there’s a great atmosphere at Parc Y Scarlets this evening.

        54. The Cymru squad complete their final preparations. Kick off is fast approaching.

        56. Hannah Cain returns to the starting line-up this evening. The striker has already scored six goals in this qualifying campaign.

        58. Cymru cap 147 for captain Angharad James this evening

        59. Cymru are in the building

        60. TEAM NEWS

          Cymru head coach Rhian Wilkinson has made two changes to the side that defeated Albania 1-0 in Shkodër on Friday night.

          Striker Hannah Cain and teenager Scarlett Hill, who was named Player of the Match after coming off the bench on Friday, come into the starting XI, while Esther Morgan and Rachel Rowe are named as substitutes.

          Tianna Teisar comes into the matchday squad and is named on the bench alongside Olivia Francis, who made her senior debut as a substitute in the win over Albania.

          Meanwhile, Albania head coach Armir Grimaj has made three changes to his starting line-up as Klea Hamonikaj, Xhesika Ndoj and Ilarja Zarka all come into the first XI.

        62. Team news to follow as Cymru take on Albania

        65. Welcome to Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli. The stage is set as Cymru look to finish the job against Albania and move a step closer to World Cup qualification.

        68. The Cymru squad took a pre-match stroll earlier as they prepare to take on Albania for a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Final.

        71. JAMES ON CYMRU PLAY-OFF PAST

          Cymru captain Angharad James spoke to the media on Monday and reflected on the highs and lows of previous play-off experience as her side prepare to take on Albania in Llanelli this evening.

          “We have to give everything,” said James. “It’s a final game for us and every game is.” Cymru head into the match with a 1-0 lead, with Norway or Romania awaiting the winners.

          “If we overthink that we have a 1-0 advantage then I don’t think it’s a good thing as players,” she added. “So we’re focusing on it being a new 90-minute game. It’s a clean sheet and we’re going out there to perform and to win again.”

          Cymru suffered play-off heartbreak in qualifying for the last FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, but made amends with a successful play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland to make their major tournament debut at WEURO 2025.

          “Two very different feelings after both games,” James explained. “The feeling that we had out in Switzerland, going so close in extra time and narrowly missing out, it fuelled us for Dublin.

          “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.

          “We’ve had so many high moments with this group and hopefully we’ve got the biggest one yet to come with the World Cup.”

        74. POTENTIAL CYMRU RECORD

          Cymru will make history if Rhian Wilkinson’s side avoid defeat against Albania at Parc y Scarlets tomorrow night as it would extend their undefeated run of results to ten games.

          The previous undefeated record for the Cymru women’s team is nine games that was set between November 2013 and August 2014, and that record was equalled in the 1-0 win over Albania on Friday night (below).

          “What a wonderful record for me to have, but more than anything, this is about the team showing up for each other and delivering to a standard we can be proud of,” said Wilkinson.

          “Win or lose, this is a very special team and I’ll stand with them all day. But we know we want to be better for ourselves and equally for the fans.”

        77. WILKINSON WARNING OVER ALBANIAN TEST

          Cymru head coach Rhian Wilkinson spoke to the media earlier this afternoon as her side prepare to take on Albania at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, on Tuesday night (7:15pm).

          “It will be a tough game,” said Wilkinson. “It’s one where you better expect to be crawling off the field exhausted if you want to be walking away with a successful game.”

          Cymru take a 1-0 lead into the match following their victory away to Albania last Friday in the 1st leg, and while they have the advantage, Wilkinson was impressed with the performance of their opponents in defeat.

          “That Albanian team are right on the edge of something special because they really fight for everything,” she added.

          “We’re very aware of them – this is a dangerous Albanian team. We need to make sure we don’t sit back and rest because they’re going to be knocking on the door.”

          Tickets for the match against Albania on Tuesday can be purchased here

        79. HUGHES ON WORLD CUP AMBITION

          Cymru striker Elise Hughes spoke to BBC Wales Sport about her dream of representing Cymru at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals as the side prepare to take on Albania in Llanelli on Tuesday.

          “When you’re a kid, it doesn’t get bigger than that,” said Hughes. “You dream and you’re in the garden thinking of the World Cup and you’re at your grassroots team thinking of the World Cup.

          “Now this group has a chance to do it and that is the most important thing for the group here and now. But to do that, we’ve got to win the game on Tuesday. This is the most important game to date because it’s next.”

          Cymru take a 1-0 lead into the match following their narrow win over Albania on Friday, with Norway or Romania awaiting the winners in the next round of the play-offs.

          “We’ve won games by many more goals and always had room for improvement,” Hughes added. “We knew they’re a good side and what they’re going to bring, but we let them into the game. It’s all about focus and getting the result.”

          Click here for the full article on the BBC Sport website

        81. QUALIFICATION EXPLAINED

          Cymru take a 1-0 lead into Tuesday’s 2nd leg match against Albania and will look to move one step closer to a first appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals that will take place in Brazil next year.

          However, qualification is not a simple process. Tuesday night will complete Round 1 of the Play-Off Phase, and the winners of the tie will take on the winners of Norway and Romania in another two-legged tie that will take place in November and December.

          Norway, who are managed by former Cymru head coach Gemma Grainger, currently lead 2-0 against Romania and are now very strong favourites to progress.

          Of the eight Round 2 Play-Off games, seven winners will automatically qualify for the finals, joining Germany, Denmark, Spain and France from the European qualifiers. The lowest-ranked Play-Off winner will then enter the inter-confederation play-offs that will take place in early 2027.

          Tickets for the match between Cymru and Albania at Parc y Scarlets on Tuesday can be purchased here

          A detailed view of the FIFA Women's World Cup trophy on a plinth.

        82. MEET THE REF

          Alina Peşu of Romania will take charge of the match between Cymru and Albania at Parc-y-Scarlets on Tuesday evening.

          The 37-year-old has been a FIFA Referee since 2018 and officiated at WEURO 2025 last summer, refereeing the opening match between hosts Switzerland and Norway, as well as the group stage match between Norway and Iceland.

          Daniela Constantinescu and Bianca Diana Florea are the Assistant Referees and Roxana Recorean is the Fourth Official. Ovidiu Haţegan is VAR and will be assisted by Cristina Trandafir. All of the officials are from Romania.

        85. ADVANTAGE CYMRU

          Cymru take a 1-0 lead into Tuesday’s 2nd leg against Albania following a hard-fought victory over their opponents in Shkodër on Friday night.

          An own goal from Ezmiralda Franja midway through the opening half proved to be the difference between the two teams, but Albania caused Cymru enough problems at the other end to ensure that Rhian Wilkinson’s side can take nothing for granted in the return match,

          Elsewhere, Norway claimed a 2-0 win over Romania in Bucharest through goals from Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum. Cymru or Albania will play the winners of that tie in the Play-Off Final.

        88. There is no live report available for this match

        Lineups

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