Wales and Liverpool defender Rhiannon Roberts admitted the squad still feel heartbroken after their last-gasp loss to Switzerland in their 2023 Women’s World Cup play-off final in October.
Roberts gave Wales an unexpected lead in the first half through a header but it was Switzerland who emerged victorious in the final minute of extra-time despite an impervious defensive display from Wales.
But Roberts, 32, insisted the team will bottle up the anguish and use it as fuel as they look to culminate a history-making first campaign under manager Gemma Grainger with a victory over Finland in their final match of the year on Saturday, November 12 (6.30pm kick-off).
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“It hit us all really, really hard," Roberts said. "Going back to training back at clubs two days later, and with players who qualified for the World Cup, was quite difficult, but this just gives us a chance to reflect on what’s been a really positive campaign and start the building blocks for the next qualifiers.
"We’ve broken records, we’ve created history, got closer than we’ve ever got before. We’re in touching distance [of a first major tournament], and it just makes it more exciting for next year."
Roberts views their final match of the year against Finland, ranked one place higher at 30th according to FIFA rankings, as an ideal challenge to set Wales on the right course for the start of their European Championship qualifiers next September.
“We want to play teams like this, in and around us,” she said. “It’s a good challenge. They’re a good team, but I think we have the belief that we can compete against the big nations and not just turn up, but actually compete to win games. I think that’s been a big stepping stone for us in this campaign.”
Wales kick off against Finland at 6.30pm this Saturday. Live coverage will be available via the BBC iPlayer.
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