Jess Fishlock signs off on incredible Cymru career

Cymru 1-2 Australia

• Jess Fishlock retires from international duty to standing ovation
• Mared Griffiths scores first goal on first start
• Debuts handed out by Rhian Wilkinson
• Poland next for Cymru on Tuesday, 28 October – tickets

Jess Fishlock’s final international match ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat against Australia on what was an emotional afternoon for the Cymru legend at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Head coach Rhian Wilkinson handed 18-year-old defender Gwen Zimmerman her first senior cap while Safia Middleton-Patel was selected in goal. Fishlock captained the side on her 166th and final Cymru appearance and cut an emotional figure as she sang the national anthem for the last time.

For the Matilda’s, Joe Montemurro named striker and all-time leading goalscorer Sam Kerr as captain on her return to the squad after a long-term injury, while Hayley Raso became the latest centurion as she made her 100th appearance for the side. 

Australia almost enjoyed the perfect start when Katrina Gorry tried her luck from outside the area in the opening minutes of the match, but her effort struck the crossbar. On the 10th minute, Fishlock was applauded by the fans in recognition of her contribution to Cymru during her exceptional international career.

Cymru soon settled into the match with Ceri Holland proving to be particularly effective on the left and she combined well with Fishlock and Hannah Cain. However, Australia would take the lead on 28 minutes when Courtney Nevin’s free-kick deceived goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel and found the back of the net. 

The best chance for Cymru arrived a few minutes later as a fine through ball from Fishlock found Cain but her effort was saved by Teagen Micah. Cymru continued to push for a deserved equaliser, but it was the visitors that went into half-time with the advantage.

Zimmerman made an impressive debut in defence and was replaced by Charlie Estcourt at half-time, and Cymru almost levelled minutes into the half as Fishlock was denied a dream moment on her final appearance by Micah. However, Mared Griffiths would soon enjoy her own special moment.

Making her first senior start, the 18-year-old scored with a superb effort on 55 minutes to level. Cymru continued to match their opponents across the field but had to defend solidly while Amy Sayer almost put the visitors ahead on 73 minutes, but she fired over Middleton-Patel’s bar from close range.

There was a cruel blow for Cymru on 85 minutes as Caitlin Foord found herself in space in the area and made no mistake as Australia regained the lead. It would prove to be the decisive goal as Cymru just couldn’t find a way back.

There was a standing ovation on the 90th minute as Fishlock was replaced on her final Cymru appearance. Fishlock spoke in the days leading up to the match about passing the baton over to the next generation, and this performance showed plenty of signs of a bright future for this team.