Unbeaten Welsh side faces tougher test in top of the table clash
WALES travel to France tonight in a World Cup qualifying match against group leaders France, who are ranked fifth in the world.
A win in Guingamp (8.10pm KO) will see Gemma Grainger’s team replace France at the top of qualifying Group I, and continue their strong recent form.
Last time out Wales put five past Greece in a 5-0 drubbing at the Parc y Scarlets. However, France, who won their last game 6-0 against Kazakhstan, will prove a tougher test.
The French side have won all five of their qualifying games under manager Corinne Diacre, scoring 35 goals in the process and conceding only two.
Speaking to BBC Sport Wales, captain Sophie Ingle said: “We want to show who Wales are.
“We want to play with a bit of freedom, we have nothing to lose really, we are unbeaten at this stage and happy where we are.”
Grainger’s side have the best defensive record in the group, conceding only one goal so far. Grainger said: “We have to work exceptionally hard and we have to defend well in all areas. We will have a game plan for when we are out of possession.”
Key Players
Wales
Sophie Ingle
- The team’s captain with over 100 caps will have her work cut out in the midfield against a free-scoring French side.
Natasha Harding
- Scorer of four goals in five qualifying games, including the winner against Estonia back in September. The forward will likely play a part if Wales can bring an end to France’s 100% record in the group.
France
Marie-Antoinette Katoto
- Prolific for both club and country, the Paris Saint-Germain striker has scored nine goals in the five qualifying matches. Wales’ chances of victory tonight are likely to depend on whether they can keep Katoto quiet.
Injuries/Team News
Rachel Rowe is still missing from the squad with injury, but Grainger will have the rest of the fully fit squad to choose from.
Fan Prediction
Clifford Jones, 74, a member of the ‘Wales Women Football Supporters Group’, is hoping for a positive result against France.
“My heart says Wales will get a 0-0 draw but my head tells me France will win 3-0,” he said.
“It’s imperative we do not concede an early goal. A few years ago we drew with England 0-0 away in a qualifying game, same again will be fantastic.”
Mr Jones knows how it feels to see Wales qualify for a World Cup: “I actually saw the Wales men’s team qualify for the 1958 World Cup! It was a Wednesday afternoon game at Ninian Park, I was 10 years of age at the time.”
Watch the game live tonight on BBC Two Wales and iPlayer, with coverage starting from 8pm. Full commentary is also available on BBC Radio Wales.
