Wales target clean sheet in World Cup play-off first leg

What the report says

Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson says the priority for Friday’s Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off first leg against Albania is to keep a clean sheet and put in a strong away performance. The match takes place at Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder, with the return leg scheduled for next Tuesday in Llanelli.

BBC Sport reports that Wales beat Albania twice in the group stage earlier in qualifying, including a 4-0 home win and a narrower away victory. Wilkinson still expects a difficult contest, pointing to Albania’s resilience and the challenge of managing a two-legged tie. Wales finished top of their qualifying group and are now trying to stay on course for a first Women’s World Cup appearance.

Wales go into the tie without nine regular squad members because of injury, leaving the group with a younger look and several uncapped players. Wilkinson said the squad has been prepared for such situations through regular involvement of younger players in training, and she believes they are ready if called upon.

If Wales progress, they would face either Norway or Romania in a final play-off round later in the year. BBC Sport notes that the broader European play-off format is complex, with not every winner guaranteed a direct place at the World Cup.