It would be tempting to say that Wales collapsed in a state of disarray because they were playing in a branch of Ikea next door. But that would be a mistake.
A decisive scoreline that saw France top Group D and reach the quarter-finals does not tell the whole story of Wales’ improved performance on a night when Jess Fishlock scored a historic goal.
Yes, their exit from the upcoming tournament is not a rubber-stamp, but Rhian Wilkinson’s players made Laurent Bonadei’s brilliant side work hard to secure a convincing victory.
Wales arrived at the St Gallen Arena in a new team bus with a new driver at the wheel.Their original coach was badly shaken by Wilkinson’s team’s car crash on the way to training on Tuesday afternoon, but her change to a back four amid personnel changes was a tactical choice. Bonadei’s decision to rotate his squad so aggressively reflects his desire to give his stars a good rest, as France have only four players left in their starting 11, with just four left from their 2-1 win over England on Saturday.
Having beaten the Netherlands 3-0 in their opening match, the French coach clearly felt confident enough to rest seven key players, including two outstanding forwards in Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore.
If that had lifted the spirits of the nearly 2,000 Welsh supporters at the Red Wall, the drenching rain that had drenched St Gallen in recent days had been replaced by bright evening sunshine.
A chill crept into the air as darkness fell. France began to look a threat when Sofia Middleton-Patel, who had replaced Olivia Clark in goal, and France were quickly outplayed by the impressive Clara Mateo with her feet.
When the indomitable Angharad James-Turner failed to clear the cross, the ball fell to Mateo, who expertly crossed to Middleton-Patel.
Don’t worry, Fishlock who else? Wales responded by creating the moment they had been waiting for. Their first major goal of the tournament
Despite a fierce challenge, Ceri Holland somehow managed to put the ball into Fishlock’s path and Wales’ 38-year-old record goalscorer didn’t have to be called upon to direct it into the back of the net.
The offside flag had halted the celebrations, but VAR had ruled that Fishlock’s goal had been stopped.The Seattle Reign midfielder, who made her Wales debut almost two decades ago, became the oldest player to score at the Women’s European Championship and immediately ran towards Wilkinson, who was suddenly in tears.
“Wait a minute,” Fishlock said afterwards. “I’m so proud of the girls tonight, we were in the game for the most part but we need to get better in a little while.”
Her goal had calmed her down until she remembered that Wales could play a little. Bonadei’s young back line was so out of line.
Then, when Holland brought down Mateo, Wales conceded a penalty that was unnecessary and it all came crashing down. Kadidiatou Diani, after her fantastic run, fortunately got the best shot in the middle. Middleton-Patel dived to her right and stepped up, but she could only swing the ball into her own net, and it deflected off the line.
That setback aside, Wilkinson’s brilliant decision to play a formation that quickly evolved into a bold version of the 4-4-2 that had long eluded France was a smart one.
Only a terrible mistake by Middleton-Patel, who had passed clear, allowed Mateo to steal possession before Amel Majri was subtly swatted away. In relief, the goalkeeper is only 20 years old and her form is generally excellent.
But now, showing her inexperience and misreading Diani’s cross, Grace Geyoro used a close-range finish.
Fishlock thanked the Red Wall for their support as the French fans dream of their first major tournament triumph.“They are loud and proud,” she said.“We have the best fans in the world.”
“I’m very proud of the performance against very strong opposition,”said Wilkinson.“I really believe France are one of the three best teams in the world. Yes, we lost 4-1 but we showed courage against one of the best teams in the world.The result doesn’t always mean the result. It was a good margin but it showed everyone how proud we are to represent Wales.”
