Cymru 4-0 Croatia
- Jess Fishlock scores twice on 149th appearance
- Cymru dominate with 75% possession
- Rhian Wilkinson’s first match in charge
Rhian Wilkinson began her reign as manager with a stunning victory in Cymru’s opening match of the UEFA European Qualifiers against Croatia at the STōK Cae Ras in Wrexham.
The Red Wall created a fantastic atmosphere at the oldest international football stadium in world and they rewarded with four goals.
Any nerves were settled after just 4 minutes as Cymru’s positive attitude brought them their first goal of the match when Rachel Rowe provided the assist to set Jess Fishlock free in the box and she slotted the ball away with absolute composure.
Wilkinson’s team were in complete control and looked dangerous, with the home crowd expecting Cymru to score again. They created the chances to do so but somehow Croatia kept the ball out of their net for the rest of the first half.
Cymru started the second half in style and Croatia were unable to stop the piercing attack and Fishlock scored again after playing a one-two off the crossbar. Fishlock had chipped Croatia goalkeeper Doris Bačiċ but the ball bounced back off the bar and she tapped it over the line.
Less than a minute later it was 3-0 as Fishlock turned provider for Rachel Rowe, who scored after shimmying her way past a defender before a reverse shot into the goal.
Cymru were on a roll and it was 4-0 soon after as Gemma Evans sent a searching long ball forward into the box where Angharad James volleyed home with an outstretched leg from close range and a tight angle.
It’s Kosovo next for Cymru with the European Qualifier taking place in on Tuesday (9 April) at the Zahir Pajaziti Stadium in Podujevo. The match kicks off at 1:00pm.
As it happened
Watch the goals and post-match reaction
