We’re going in right direction, says Grainger
WALES manager Gemma Grainger is confident her team are heading in the right direction as the halfway point of the 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign approaches.
Grainger’s side play Greece in Llanelli tonight (7.15pm) after winning three and drawing one of their opening four qualifiers.
It is the first game of a double-header to close the calendar year and Wales face a far tougher test in France on Tuesday, with the group leaders having taking 12 points from four matches.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” said former England age groups head coach Grainger, who succeeded Jayne Ludlow in March.
“It has been a whirlwind and we’ll be over halfway through the campaign after these games. I think I’m definitely going to need a lie down.
“But you can see the momentum, drive and the passion here and every camp is a step in the right direction.
“Our playing identity has developed and who we are as people and developing that identity as a team has continued to grow.”
Greece have won two and lost two of their first four Group I qualifiers.
France reached double figures against team in a 10-0 September away win, but Grainger insists Wales will not be complacent before a 4,000-plus crowd at Parc y Scarlets.
She said: “What we’ve seen from Greece so far is that they’ve got some really good strength in possession and some good players.
“Watching their previous games we can see they’ve got some real qualities. But we can also see areas we want to try and exploit.
“An element of patience will come into it. That mentality about being ruthless is the same whether we score early or late in the game.”
Record caps holder Jess Fishlock, who plays for Tacoma-based OL Reign in the United States, will make her 128th appearance against Greece.
The 34-year-old midfielder came into camp having just been named the National Women’s Soccer League’s most valuable player.
Wales captain Sophie Ingle said: “We’re all so proud of her and we made sure that she knew that.
“We’re watching her back here and it’s amazing what she’s done after coming back from her ACL.
“She’s still competing week in and week out in America and to be MVP is an amazing achievement.”