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    Cymru vs. Sweden | 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – UWNL League Stage – Grp A4

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        1. Rhian Wilkinson

          The Cymru manager spoke to BBC Wales following her team’s fantastic 1-1 draw against Sweden.

          “A fantastic performance, a team performance.

          “We talked about it hurting, they had big periods of time where we were really under pressure, but we stayed in the game, making our moments count.

          “I was really happy with a lot of what I saw tonight.

          “If we don’t trust our players, what are we learning? We have a very deep team and we have to trust them in these moments.

          “It’s about trusting ourselves against ourselves.

          “I’m just sorry for the players that didn’t get on the field because everyone has trained really well this camp.”

        2. Kayleigh Barton

          Speaking to BBC Wales after the match, Kayleigh Barton said: “Towards the end it felt touch and go. All credit to the girls they were solid.

          “It was tough towards the end, they were putting the ball into the box. Credit to the girls tonight, they’re there to clear the crosses and that’s what they did.

          “We know Sweden are a tough team. Every game we’ve played we’ve raised the bar, we’ve got high expectations.

          “Every game we play we’ve gotten more and more confident and you can see, it’s the first time we’ve ever got a result against Sweden.”

        5. Match Summary

          Cymru pulled off a fine comeback against an excellent Sweden team who will be incredibly disappointed not to have taken all three points from their visit to Wrexham, however, Rhian Wilkinson’s team were resolute in defence and made their own luck to take a point from the former winners of the Euros. 

          Sweden deserved their lead at half-time following a first-half where they showed their class. Filippa Angeldahl scored the goal that separated the teams after Magdalena Eriksson’s run down the left saw her send a dangerous cross into the box. Olivia Clark dived the push the ball out from her 6-yard box but Angeldahl was ready to pounce and fire the loose ball into the net.

          Cymru’s best moment of the first  half came through a Ceri Holland run into the Sweden box. Three defenders blocked her out as her shot was stopped but the ball broke for Ceri Jones in space. Jones unleashed a shot but some superb defending blocked the strike from causing Jennifer Falk any issues in the Sweden goal.

          Through the early exchanges of the second half, Sweden really should have doubled their lead when Stina Blackstenius hit the post but whilst Cymru rode their luck at times, they also created their own luck. 

          Holland was really dangerous in the second half and it looked as though any potential of an equaliser would come through her somehow and that’s exactly what happened. When she played a searching ball into the Sweden box during a Cymru attack, the ball was handled by a Swedish defender and a penalty was immediately awarded. 

          Barton stepped up to hit a wonderful penalty kick high into the centre of the goal. She gave Falk absolutely no chance of making a save. 

          Cymru comfortably held on to secure their first point of this UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign. 

          Their next match in the competition will be on 4 April against Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium. Tickets are available by clicking here.

        6. FULL-TIME

          Cymru did incredibly well to get themselves back into this match after Sweden took a first half lead before Kayleigh Barton levelled the match from the penalty spot.

        7. 90'

          There will be 4 minutes of added time.

        8. 📸 Strike!

        9. 82'

          Substitution

          SOFIA JAKOBSSON replaces JOHANNA RYTTING KANERYD

        10. 82'

          Substitution

          JONNA ANDERSSON replaces AMANDA NILDÉN

        12. 77'

          Substitution

          HUGHES Elise replaces BARTON Kayleigh

        13. 76'

          Penalty

          BARTON Kayleigh

        14. 76'

          GÔL!!!! Barton scores the penalty by firing high into the centre of the net. A wonderful strike.

        15. 74'

          Penalty for Cymru after the ball is handled in the box from Holland’s forward pass into the box.

        16. 71'

          Sweden hit the post as they come ever closer to doubling their lead.

        17. Fishlock is on the pitch after coming on at the start of the second half as she looks to inspire an equaliser.

        18. 68'

          Substitution

          WOODHAM Lily replaces POWELL Ella

        19. 62'

          Substitution

          KOSOVARE ASLLANI replaces JULIA ZIGOTTI OLME

        20. 62'

          Substitution

          REBECKA BLOMQVIST replaces MATILDA VINBERG

        21. Holland has been a danger to the Swedish defence in this second half.

        22. 59'

          Holland again takes the game to Sweden as she hits a decent strike that is blocked by the defence. Her attacking intent is certainly livening the crowd up.

        23. 58'

          Holland has looked like Cymru’s most dangerous player in this match and she worries the defence with her pace. She opened some space to shoot but sent her effort wide of the left post.

        24. 55'

          Cymru under pressure from a series of corners as Sweden desperately look for a second goal.

        25. 52'

          Fishlock is fouled as she takes the ball forward in the Sweden half of the pitch and it provides Cymru with a chance to get the ball into the box from the free kick. Holland sends the ball long but Sweden defend well.

        26. 52'

          Yellow card

          JULIA ZIGOTTI OLME

        27. 51'

          Sweden advance through Vinberg down their left wing and when she sends a cross into the box it’s cleared behind for a concern kick by Powell.

        28. 47'

          Rytting Kaneryd fires into the side netting for Sweden following a sleek attack from the visitors. Sweden will feel they should’ve increased their lead.

        29. Half-time Summary

          Sweden deserve their lead at the break following a first-half where they showed their class. Cymru defended well against their threat and have kept themselves in this UEFA Women’s Nations League match.

          Filippa Angeldahl scored the goal that separates the teams after Eriksson’s run down the left saw her send a dangerous cross into the box. Olivia Clark dived the push the ball out from her 6-yard box where Angeldahl was ready to pounce and fire the loose ball into the net.

          Cymru’s best moment came through a Ceri Holland run into the Sweden box. Three defenders blocked her out as her shot was stopped but the ball broke for Ceri Jones in space. Jones unleashed a shot but some superb defending blocked the strike from causing Jennifer Falk any issues in the Sweden goal.

          Cymru manager Rhian Wilkinson (below) will use the half-time break to find a way for her team to get themselves back level with the former EURO winners.

        30. 44'

          Yellow card

          POWELL Ella

        31. 43'

          Yellow card

          JOHANNA RYTTING KANERYD

        32. 41'

          Holland runs at the defence but with three defenders on her, her shot just inside the 18-yard box is blocked. The ball breaks for Jones in space but some wonderful defending also sees her shot blocked.

        33. 38'

          Sweden attack down the left wing and Blackstenius meets a cross with a header but fortunately for Cymru the ball is directed wide.

        34. 27'

          Nildén sends the free kick into the box but the ball is headed away at the far post as Cymru deal with the danger.

        35. 26'

          Cymru concede a free kick in a dangerous area as James is judged to have committed a foul.

        36. 📸 Barton leading the attack for Cymru.

        37. 22'

          Sweden break free with Blackstenius being released in attack but Clark quickly comes off her line to smother the ball to remove the danger.

        38. 21'

          The home crowd get excited as Cymru attack through Barton but once again the Sweden defence stand firm.

        40. 📸 The team photo.

        41. 14'

          After fairly even opening exchanges, it’s Sweden who break the deadlock after a Cymru attack broke down in their own half. Their devastating counter-attack opened up the Cymru defence and after Clark made an initial save, Angeldahl was oil the end of the loose ball to fire into the net.

        42. 14'

          Goal

          FILIPPA ANGELDAHL

        43. 6'

          Sweden defend the corner by clearing from immediate danger. Powell attempted to cross the ball back into the box but ut was directed behind for a goal kick.

        44. 5'

          Cymru force a corner after a bright start, showing plenty of attacking intent.

        45. KICK OFF

          Cymru get this UEFA Women’s Nations League match underway.

        46. '

          Substitution

          ROBERTS Rhiannon replaces ESTCOURT Charlotte

        47. '

          Substitution

          FISHLOCK Jessica Anne replaces JONES Carrie

        48. '

          Substitution

          CAIN Hannah replaces JOEL Lois

        49. Cymru and Sweden are getting themselves warmed up for this UEFA Women’s Nations League match. Lois Joel (below) starts in this game.

        50. Will we see Jess Fishlock make an appearance from the bench?

        51. Gemma Evans (left) retains her place in the team whilst Kayleigh Barton is one of five changes in Rhian Wilkinson’s starting line-up. Check out the team news in the timeline below.

        52. The squad have arrived at STōK Cae Ras, along with Spikey.

        53. Angharad James captain’s Cymru this evening in a match that’s dedicated to the Football v Homophobia campaign, reinforcing the FAW’s commitment to ensuring football is a game for everyone.

          Continue reading about the campaign here

        54. This is the starting line-up for Sweden in this UEFA Women’s Nations League match.

        55. CYMRU XI

          Rhian Wilkinson has made five changes to the team that took to the field against Italy on Friday as she looks to provide game time to her squad.

          Josie Green, Kayleigh Barton, Charlie Estcourt, Lois Joel and Ella Powell come into the team with Lily Woodham, Mayzee Davies, Rhiannon Roberts, Hannah Cain and Jess Fishlock all moving to the bench.

        56. The Red Wall are out in force tonight here at the STōK Cae Ras in Wrexham 🤩

        58. Rhian Wilkinson will soon reveal her starting XI for the match. Who will keep their place in the team from Friday’s 1-0 defeat in Italy?

        59. With over 6,000 tickets sold, this will be Cymru’s most attended home game ever outside of Cardiff. Everyone can look forward to a fantastic atmosphere here in Wrexham.

        61. Game ready

          The Cymru squad took a pre-match stroll in the sun this morning ahead of tonight’s Nations League match against Sweden at the STōK Cae Ras.

          Rhian Wilkinson’s side are looking for their first points of the campaign following the 1-0 defeat to Italy in Monza on Friday and will need the Red Wall behind them for this latest challenge.

        64. Captain James on Cymru pride

          Cymru captain Angharad James was also on media duty on Monday and is looking forward to the challenge of taking on Sweden at the STōK Cae Ras on Monday night.

          “Since Rhian and her staff have come in we’ve evolved,” said James. “The foundation was there before, but the bigger picture is the whole squad and we’re gelling together nicely. We’re in a really strong place now. When you put the Welsh jersey on you always want to play against the best.

          “It’s a great feeling. We’ve come so far over the years and we want to keep inspiring the next generation. It’s a privilege to put the Welsh jersey on, and to travel around the country and inspire people in different areas I feel is really important that we do that.

          Having relinquished the armband to Hayley Ladd on her 100th cap against Italy on Friday, James will once again lead the team out tomorrow evening. “I just want to congratulate Hayley on her 100th cap,” said James. “She’s a tremendous leader and a tremendous person.”

        66. Wilkinson on League A and EURO balance

          Cymru head coach Rhian Wilkinson spoke to the media at the STōK Cae Ras on Monday afternoon and discussed her approach to leading her team through League A ahead of the EURO finals.

          “We have five more games to keep pushing,” said Wilkinson. “To be frustrated at losing 1-0 against Italy is a good sign for us as a team. We have a growing confidence and belief. All these games are fantastic tests and Sweden are a strong team in every area. We have to keep pushing standards and preparing these women for the challenges ahead. This is a team that’s on a journey.

          “That game (against Italy) showed some tremendous moments, but we also know we weren’t dangerous enough as well. We always want to win, results are important, but the excitement is the progression of these team and how they have taken real strides forward, not just over the last year, but before that too.

          “You can see how healthy it is behind the scenes through the confidence of the younger players. We’ve worked really hard to get back into League A but we have to treat it as preparation for the EURO’s. They’re definitely connected and linked. We’re out to win every game we play, but equally I’m not going to be a coach that sacrifices development of the team to get a result.”

        68. Preparations continue

          The Cymru squad trained at Colliers Park on Sunday ahead of the Nations League match against Sweden at the STōK Cae Ras tomorrow night.

          Head coach Rhian Wilkinson can take plenty of positives despite the 1-0 defeat to Italy on Friday night as the League A4 campaign kicked-off in Monza, and the side will now look to the Red Wall to get behind them on Tuesday.

          Tickets for the match can be secured by clicking here.

        70. Sweden – The first European champions

          Cymru welcome Sweden to the STōK Cae Ras on Tuesday evening as Rhian Wilkinson’s side look to claim their first points of the new Nations League campaign against the inaugural EURO champions.

          It was back in 1984 that Sweden won what was then called the ‘European Competition for Women’s Football’ as 16 nations entered the qualification process for a place at the four team finals. As less than half of UEFA’s membership entered qualifying the tournament the competition was not granted official status, but is recognised as the first women’s EURO.

          Sweden would be joined by Denmark, Italy and England at the 1984 finals, and with no host nation, the two semi-finals and final were played home and away over two-legs. Sweden would defeat Italy 5-3 on aggregate while England were 3-1 winners over Denmark.

          The 1st leg of the final between Sweden and England was played in Gothenburg with a goal from current Switzerland head coach Pia Sundhage earning Sweden a 1–0 victory. Linda Curl would score the only goal of the game for England in the return match at Kenilworth Road, Luton, to take the final to penalties.

          Just over 2,500 fans were in attendance as Sweden triumphed 4-3 in the shoot-out with Anette Börjesson, Eva Andersson, Ann Jansson and Sundhage making no mistake from the spot to seal victory and become the first European champions of the women’s game.

        72. As it stands

          Sweden are the current leaders of League A4 following their 2-1 victory over Denmark in Odense on Friday night.

          Linda Sembrant and Fridolina Rolfö scored the goals for Peter Gerhardsson’s side while Pernille Harder registered the only goal for Denmark from the penalty spot.

          Italy also claimed three points from their opening match of the campaign as an early goal from Barbara Bonansea was enough to defeat Cymru 1-0 in Monza.

          Cymru now take on the group leaders at the STōK Cae Ras in Wrexham on Tuesday night while Italy host Denmark in La Spezia.

        73. Previous meetings

          Cymru and Sweden were drawn together in Group 8 of 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying and it was eventual group winners Sweden that won both games.

          The first match took place at the home of Airbus UK Broughton FC in March 2010 as Adrian Tucker’s Cymru were defeated 4-0.

          Terry Boyle was Cymru head coach when Sweden then claimed a 5-1 win in the return match in August that year, with Gwennan Harries scoring the consolation goal.

        75. Return to Wrexham

          Cymru return to the STōK Cae Ras on Tuesday night with happy memories of their last visit to the famous old stadium.

          Rhian Wilkinson took charge of Cymru for the first time back in April 2024 when Croatia were the visitors for the opening match of EURO 2025 qualifying. Jess Fishlock (below) scored twice before further goals from Angharad James and Rachel Rowe sealed a comfortable 4-0 win.

          Over 4,000 fans were in attendance that night and the Red Wall will have a huge role to play on Tuesday night as Cymru look to earn their first points of the new Nations League campaign. Tickets for the match can be secured by clicking here.

        76. There is no live report available for this match

        Lineups

        Starting

          Substitutes

            Starting

              Substitutes

                Table

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                Gd
                Pts

                Match Info

                Stadium

                Date & Time

                Referee

                Fourth Official

                Assistant Referees

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