Wales took on Australia in the first fixture of their set of friendlies at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Wales – Starting XI
Goalkeeper:
Safia Middleton-Patel
Defenders:
Gemma Evans, Gwen Zimmerman, Hayley Ladd
Midfielders:
Ceri Holland, Angharad James, Sophie Ingle, Ffion Morgan
Forwards:
Jess Fishlock (C), Mared Griffiths, Hannah Cain
Substitutes:
Olivia Clark, Poppy Soper, Charlie Estcourt, Teagan Scarlett, Mia Ross, Anna Filbey, Scarlett Hill, Alice Griffiths, Carrie Jones, Elise Hughes, Tianna Teisar, Mary McAteer
Australia – Starting XI
Goalkeeper:
Teagan Micah
Defenders:
Courtney Nevin, Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Kaitlyn Torpey
Midfielders:
Clare Wheeler, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry
Forwards:
Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso (C), Sam Kerr
Substitutes:
Mackenzie Arnold, Morgan Aquino, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Ellie Carpenter, Charlotte Grant, Cortnee Vine, Amy Sayer, Holly McNamara, Remy Siemsen, Jamila Rankin, Michelle Heyman
Match action:
This was a game of milestones as Sophie Ingle made her first start for Wales after returning from her ACL injury as well as Sam Kerr appearing for the Matildas for the first time since 2023.
Jess Fishlock captained Wales as she started in her last ever game of international football.
Young player Gwen Zimmerman, who plays her football in America, simultaneously received her first senior callup and start for Wales.
Mared Griffiths also got her first start for Wales and ended with a goal to finish out the afternoon.
A shot just 4 minutes in deflected off of the crossbar as Caitlin Foord had driven the ball quickly up the left side of the pitch towards the centre of goal. This effort reflected her workrate that would continue throughout the game.
10 minutes in, a round of applause sounded around the stadium as the fans commemorated Jess Fishlock’s last game in a Wales shirt.
Jess Fishlock captaining Wales. Photo: Charlie Burrell for Constancy Sport
As the game hit the 14th minute mark, Wales had a few chances that were quickly blocked off by Australia’s defence.
They had struggled to get the ball into the final third, often being disrupted by Australia’s midfield.
However, some notable runs by Jess Fishlock, Ceri holland and Mared Griffiths opened up the defence with Hannah Cain hoping to poach a goal with her high press.
In the 24th minute, the stadium held it’s breath as Jess Fishlock made it within a stone’s throw of goal, however the referee blew her whistle and a corner was awarded.
At the end of the 27th minute, Courtney Nevin scored for Australia as a result of a free kick given away just outside the penalty area.
This didn’t seem to knock Wales’ spirit as there were many moments of magic from the team, including breakthroughs on goal from Jess Fishlock and Hannah Cain.
In the first half, Australia remained with the majority of possession despite efforts from the whole team to regain the ball.
One of Australia’s strengths is their individual speed but also their speed on the ball as soon as they regain possession, making it tough for the opposition.
As the first half came to a close Ffion Morgan made a break for goal when a ball was let loose by the Australians, however the goalscorer Courtney Nevin quickly dispossessed her.
The first half of football ended 1-0 to Australia.
Ten minutes into the second half Fishlock was in on goal but lost the ball in the box. The ball then fell to Mared Griffiths who had her back to goal, took a turn, and launched the ball straight over Teagan Micah and into the left side of the net.
The first substitutions came in the 65th minute as a triple change: Kaitlyn Torpey, Sam kerr and Hayley Raso off for Ellie Carpenter, Holly McNamara and Amy Sayer.
Shortly after, Wales followed suit with a substitution, taking Hannah Cain off for Elise Hughes
After these substitutions, Australia started to find their feet again, creating many close chances in the final third.
Jess fishlock drove up the pitch towards goal but was cut off. The ball quickly made it’s way up the opposite end of the pitch as Australia attempted to counter, but it was met by a double save from Safia Middleton-Patel.
Safia Middleton-Patel made her first start in goal since the Euros where Rhian Wilkinson had her step up between the sticks in one of the most high profile matches of the tournament for Wales. In this match against Australia she has proven again why she has a place in this Wales team.
Another notable player is Ceri Holland who was absolutely everywhere in this game, slotting into defence and making crucial clearances when needed, as well as helping the attack break Australia’s defence.
Caitlin Foord scored Australia’s second goal of this Saturday match-up in the 85th minute. The ball was sent in by Kyra Cooney-Cross as Foord was left unmarked in the middle of the box.
Caitlin Foord celebrating her goal. Photo: Charlie Burrell for Constancy Sport
7 minutes of added time were given at the end of the first half, prompting substitutions from both teams.
This included Wales legend Jess Fishlock, who left the field for the last time in a red shirt, after becoming the top caps holder and goalscorer for her country.
The final whistle blew as the match ended 2-1, seeing Australia narrowly take the victory over Wales.
After the match, Fishlock spoke to the Red Wall with a microphone in hand, thanking the fans for their continued support throughout her career.