WILKINSON HAS SIGHTS ON AN AWAY SUCCESS
RHIAN Wilkinson has called on Wales to build on their impressive defeat of Croatia as they look to generate early momentum in their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.
Wales marked Wilkinson’s first game in charge by opening their pool campaign in style with a 4-0 victory over Croatia on Friday night.
Jess Fishlock bagged a brace to move within two of Helen Ward’s record 44-goal tally before Rachel Rowe and Angharad James added gloss to a comfortable scoreline.
Wales’ next qualifier tomorrow is away to Kosovo, who were beaten 2-0 by Ukraine in their opening tie on Friday.
“I was really proud,” Wilkinson said.
“I have asked the players to do some things that they haven’t done before.
“We made a few tweaks at halftime and I was really pleased with what they delivered. It is a proud day for me.
“But I think we can be even more clinical.
“I will chase performances. It is very special for me to be in this job.
“We had a good performance tonight, but we will chase great.”
Wales made the perfect start after four minutes when Rowe drove towards the penalty area and slipped in Fishlock, who punished untidy defending with a cool finish.
It was Fishlock’s 41st Wales goal and drew her level with Gareth Bale’s international tally. But the 37-yearold moved beyond that mark four minutes into the second period.
With the visitors showing little attacking intent, Wales completely dominated opponents 27 places below them in the Fifa rankings.
Wales were out of sight within 11 minutes of the restart following a quickfire treble.
Fishlock grabbed her second after controlling Gemma Evans’ pass on her chest and lifting the ball over Bacic.
The ball eluded two backtracking defenders and came back off the crossbar for the alert Fishlock to nod home.
Rowe slotted the ball home two minutes later after James won possession and Fishlock set her up with an intelligent pass.
Evans claimed a second assist with another pinpoint diagonal pass as James slid in to score from a difficult angle.
Wilkinson paid tribute to midfielder Fishlock after her superb performance.
“I don’t think there are enough accolades for Jess,” she told BBC Sport Wales.
“On the field she is a huge player for Wales and the way she handles everything as a role model is something special.”