Wales win Women's World Cup qualifier in Albania

Football

Rhian Wilkinson praised Wales for securing a victory in Tirana despite what she described as a below-par team performance.

Wales Women secured three points in their World Cup qualifying campaign with a narrow victory against Albania on Friday. The visitors struggled to find rhythm throughout the match but eventually broke the deadlock to remain competitive in their group. Manager Rhian Wilkinson expressed satisfaction with the result while acknowledging the team did not reach its usual standards.

According to FAW, the performance lacked the clinical edge seen in previous fixtures. Wilkinson noted that winning while playing poorly is a necessary trait for a developing squad. The result moves Wales closer to a potential play-off spot as they navigate a busy international schedule, per Sky Sports.

No fresh injuries were reported following the physical encounter in Tirana. The squad now turns its attention to upcoming home fixtures as the qualification process continues. Wilkinson emphasised the importance of the result over the aesthetics of the play during this stage of the competition. The players will return to their respective clubs before the next international window in May.

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