Cymru move back to top of qualifying group with Croatia victory

Croatia 0-3 Cymru

• Jess Fishlock equals goalscoring record
• Cymru move above Croatia to top group
• Victory against Kosovo on Tuesday will see Cymru win group
• Tickets for Tuesday’s match available here

Cymru moved back to the top of Group B4 in 2025 UEFA Women’s EURO qualifying with a 3-0 win over Croatia in Karlovac.

Jess Fishlock drew level as Cymru’s top goalscorer – equalling Helen Ward’s record of 44 goals – when she rifled home the opening goal to put Rhian Wilkinson’s side ahead in the first half.

Cymru continued to threaten and could have added to their lead later in the half with Ella Powell and Sophie Ingle both going close, before the latter tapped home the second just after the hour mark.

Kayleigh Barton ensured there would be no way back for the hosts as she converted her third penalty in as many consecutive games.

Wilkinson made two changes from Cymru’s last outing against Ukraine as Rhiannon Roberts and Powell replaced Lois Joel and Carrie Jones in the starting lineup.

Cymru took the lead inside the 14th minute when Rowe’s pass found James, whose low cross was left by Ingle to tee up Fishlock. She fired the ball home off the underside of the crossbar to put the away side in control.

Cymru continued to apply the pressure after breaking the deadlock and went close to doubling their lead 10 minutes later. After Roberts’ guided pass forward found Holland, her cross eventually fell to Powell, whose powerful effort stung the palms of Doris Bacic.

Ingle then brought two saves out of the Croatia goalkeeper in quick succession as her initial shot was parried behind for a corner, before she saw her header from the resulting set-piece gathered by Bacic.

Wilkinson’s side thought they had their second just after the half-hour mark when Barton fired in after getting on the end of Ingle’s pass into the box, but the goal was ruled out for offside. While Holland also went close in the final minute of the half as her free-kick forced another save out of Bacic.

Cymru were pegged back in the dying seconds against Ukraine in their last outing and knew they would need a second goal. They came close to getting it on the hour mark when Holland’s free-kick again caused problems in the penalty area and Evans saw her shot come back off the outside of the post.

But they found their second when Rowe’s cross ricocheted off Fishlock and Nevrkla before falling kindly to Ingle, who tapped home off the inside of the post from close range.

Cymru were then awarded a penalty with two minutes left on the clock when Holland’s cross hit Nevrkla’s arm, and Barton made no mistake from the spot as Wilkinson’s side moved to the top of the group.