International Women's Football: Wales' Triumph Over Switzerland
Wales' women's football team has achieved a remarkable victory, ending a 13-game winless streak with a 3-2 win over Switzerland in a friendly match. The match, held in Jerez, saw Wales take an early lead through Sophie Ingle's header, only for Switzerland to equalize three minutes later with a goal from Aurelie Csillag. However, Wales restored their lead before halftime with a stylish goal from Hannah Cain, who latched onto a quickly taken free-kick and lifted the ball into the net from 20 yards.
The Welsh team's third goal came in the opening 30 seconds of the second half, with Lily Woodham steering home at the far post with her first touch after coming off the bench. Iman Beney's low shot gave Switzerland hope after a Welsh error 19 minutes from time, but Rhian Wilkinson's team held on for a first win since their Euro 2025 play-off triumph over the Republic of Ireland almost exactly a year ago.
The run without a victory was Wales' longest since their worst-ever sequence, when they went 15 games without winning between 1997 and 2001. But success against a Switzerland side ranked 24th in the world – eight places above Wales – is a welcome boost for Wilkinson's team as their focus shifts towards the start of 2027 World Cup qualifying in March.
Ffion Morgan and the recalled Ceri Holland each won their 50th caps as part of a strong Welsh starting line-up, with Wilkinson sending out most of her big hitters in pursuit of a result. The versatile Holland was typically influential before injury forced her off in the second half, with her volleyed cross leading to Wales' opener.
Despite some dispiriting results, Wales have grown more this year than ever before, according to head coach Wilkinson. The team's standards must continue to rise if they are to become tournament regulars, hence her willingness to play challenging friendlies.
This success, the first in a friendly under Wilkinson, feels significant. Having lost to a number of high-calibre sides in recent months, Wales have taken a scalp by registering a first victory in five attempts against Switzerland. As a result, the pressure which comes with a winless sequence has eased just in time for the return of competitive football.
Wales begin their bid to reach Brazil with a trip to the Czech Republic and a home fixture against Montenegro in early March. They will go into those games with increased confidence courtesy of this triumph, their first since the international retirement of Jess Fishlock. Wilkinson has consistently described Fishlock as irreplaceable, and her squad are still readjusting to life without their greatest-ever player.
But after this victory and Friday's encouraging draw against South Korea, new-look Wales can look forward with a little more belief on the back of a positive week in Spain.
