Gemma Grainger: Positive steps for Wales despite the defeat against France
Leader Gemma Grainger insisted that Wales had taken another positive step in qualifying for the World Cup despite a 2-1 defeat at home to France.
Goals in each half scored by Wendie Renard and Marie-Antoinette Katoto maintained France’s 100% record and led them to one win after qualifying for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Sophie Ingle gave Wales hope with a rebound, but Grainger’s team lost second place against Slovenia – which won 2-0 in Kazakhstan – in a match for a place in the playoffs.
Slovenia is one point above Wales, as it has played more matches. In September, they meet in Wales on what is being shaped into a key competition.
France, which is ranked third in the world, beat Wales 2-0 in Brittany in November, and Grainger said: “We probably feel the same as in the first game, but it’s actually a bit worse.
“Hitting 2-0 against the third best team in the world and pushing them to the end shows how incredibly resilient this group is.
“We competed against one of the best teams in the world. I’m disappointed, but I’m proud and that’s the prevailing feeling.
“I’ve seen them end up making substitutions and wasting time. I watch them and I think that’s a real sign of a team like us.
“We want to play with these teams in tournaments and I think it was a tournament game.”
Gemma Evans just a few moments after Chelsea midfielder Ingle halved the gap with her fifth Wales goal with her fifth Wales goal, ruled out a header.
Grainger also thought Wales should have been awarded a penalty earlier when Jess Fishlock fell into the penalty area, but referee Jana Adamkova ruled the offense was off the field.
She said: “We had a live broadcast on the bench and it’s probably a penalty.
“It’s a shame we didn’t get those moments, but it happens. A few decisions have gone against us, but this is football.
“Obviously I have to look back, but I think we have had more opportunities than France and that shows our qualities in possession and transition.
“This match will never determine where we end up in the group, but now we need to rest and recover for Tuesday.”
Wales goes on a long journey to Kazakhstan for the next World Cup qualifiers, and the same evening Slovenia travels to France.