Hughes focused on Albania before World Cup dream

What the report says

Wales forward Elise Hughes says reaching the World Cup would be a lifelong dream, but she stressed that her side must first finish the job against Albania in Tuesday’s play-off second leg in Llanelli. Wales take a narrow 1-0 lead into the home match after winning the opening leg in Shkoder, and a draw would be enough to move them into the next round of qualifying for next summer’s tournament in Brazil.

Hughes, who has also played for Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace, said the chance to appear at a World Cup is the kind of opportunity children imagine when they first start playing football. She added that the current squad has a real chance to achieve that goal, but only if it stays focused on the immediate task. For her, Tuesday’s game is the most important one because it is the next one.

If Wales beat Albania, they will face either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in December. Even that would not guarantee qualification, as a further inter-confederation play-off could follow in February. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson has already said Wales need to improve after an unconvincing first-leg performance, and Hughes echoed that view, noting that the team must stay concentrated and make the result count.