Wales’s hopes of reaching the Women’s World Cup and a first major tournament will boil down to the playoffs. A goalless draw at home to Slovenia on a record-breaking night in Cardiff was sufficient to secure their place as runners-up in Group I and a spot in Friday’s draw in Switzerland.
The Wales manager, Gemma Grainger, was here in June when the men’s team secured a place at the World Cup via a playoff final victory over Ukraine and now her side will have a chance to replicate their journey. “To see the young girls interacting with our players and how we’re inspiring 12,000 people, it’s incredible,” Grainger said. “I didn’t really let myself think about this moment but I’m so proud. It is important we celebrate because this team has just made history.”
