Rhian Wilkinson, Head Coach of Wales, looks on prior to the UEFA EURO 2025 Women’s Qualifiers match between Wales and Croatia on April 05, 2024 (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Slovakia achieved a 2-1 win in the Euro 2025 first leg play-off to put a dent in Wales’ hopes of qualifying for a first ever major tournament.
Thanks to goals from Martina Šurnovská and Maria Mikolajová, Slovakia edged the win in Poprad. However, a late goal from Ffion Morgan provided the Welsh with a route back in.
Starting XIs
Slovakia
Korenčiová; Vojteková, Košíková, Bartovičová, Horváthová, Mikolajová, Maťavková, Hmírová, Morávková, Fabová, Šurnovská.
Wales
Clark; Woodham, Evans, Ladd, Green, Holland, Rowe, James, Estcourt, Green, Jones.
First half
It was a nervy start for Slovakia as goalkeeper Maria Korenčiová saw her clearance blocked and conceded an early corner. This bright start continued for the away side as Charlie Estcourt’s volley was saved at the near post. Despite this lively start, the momentum soon shifted and aligned with the hosts. Wales were struggling to deal with the aggressive high press from Slovakia and looked nervy when in possession. As expected, the absence of experienced international Sophie Ingle proved to be a huge loss.
The best chance of the half fell to Martina Šurnovská in the 38th minute. However, her curling effort was saved by Olivia Clark. The shot-stopper was once again called into action moments later following a threatening cross from Maria Mikolajová.
Slovakia take the edge
A vital defensive header from Josie Green prevented an almost certain goal for the hosts. However, seconds later, Šurnovská broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from the edge of the box. Wales failed to clear the corner and the best player of the first half finally found her name on the scoresheet.
Wales found themselves in real trouble as captain Angharad James made a rash challenge and gave away a free-kick within shooting distance. Mikolajová stepped up and powered the free-kick into the top corner with an amazing finish.
Jess Fishlock — who was vital to everything Wales did following her substitution — played a great through ball to Morgan who slotted the ball home. The Bristol City player has kept hopes alive for Wales.
Morgan’s goal rejuvenated the Welsh and the pressure for the final five minutes was tremendous. However, a great defensive effort from Slovakia ensured they would have a narrow advantage heading into the second leg on Tuesday.
Next time out
The sides will meet again on Tuesday, October 29th at the Cardiff City Stadium. Whichever side wins on aggregate will face either Georgia or Republic of Ireland. The match can be streamed on BBC iPlayer for those in the UK.
Related articles from Her Football Hub: