Boss disappointed but proud

WALES manager Gemma Grainger declared herself “disappointed, but proud” after her team’s best performance of her reign despite going down 2-0 to France in Guingamp on Tuesday.

In their first defeat of their World Cup qualifying campaign, Wales frustrated a team ranked fifth in the world for almost the entire first half.

But the first goal came when a Delphine Cascarino dart down the right was followed by a cross to Kadidiatou Diani, who slotted it past Laura O’sullivan in added time.

Jess Fishlock almost equalised for Wales neared the end when her shot hit the post, but France then launched another lethal counter-attack to score their second less than 30 seconds after Fishlock’s chance thanks to Selma Bacha in stoppage time.

Grainger said: “I think it has to be considered one of the best performances we have produced since I have been in charge, when you consider the level of opponent we were up against.

“I am disappointed to lose, but we nearly equalised with 10 players, against France, so while I am disappointed, I am proud. It shows where we are in terms of progress.”

Matters were not helped by having striker Kayleigh Green red-carded after being booked twice with 20 minutes to go. It is the second time in this campaign that Green had been sent off after two yellows, and she will now miss the return fixture in April.

Wales’s defence was admirable for much of the encounter and they will be proud that they pushed a top nation all the way.

The result leaves Wales second in the group, five points behind France, with four games to play.

Grainger’s side were handed a major boost before kick-off when Greece held Slovenia, Wales’s biggest challengers for second place, to a 0-0 draw earlier in the evening, giving Wales a two-point advantage in the fight for a runners-up berth.

It means Wales remain on track to secure at least a play-off spot.