Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson hailed her side’s spirit and resilience after they battled to a 1-1 draw against Sweden in Gothenburg — their second impressive result against one of the world’s top-ranked teams in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
Despite being without key players including Jess Fishlock, Sophie Ingle, Ceri Holland, and Kayleigh Barton, Wilkinson’s side produced a gutsy display against the Group A4 leaders, earning their point through a composed finish from substitute Hannah Cain in the 68th minute.
"That was a fantastic performance. In possession we had good stretches of the game," Wilkinson said, beaming with pride at full time.
"In football you have to ride your luck and they [Sweden] came close a couple of times but the way this team never quits, the way they stick in it to get a tie against Sweden away is a phenomenal moment and something we can build on."
Wilkinson has consistently emphasised team character over perfection, and once again her squad delivered under pressure.
Wales had gone behind on the hour mark to a Magdalena Eriksson header but responded almost immediately.
Cain, introduced just four minutes earlier, latched onto a sublime through ball from Rachel Rowe, rounded goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, and slotted the ball in off the post.
"No matter who we put on, no matter what role I ask them to play, they give everything. It's not always perfect and I don't ask for perfection," Wilkinson said.
"That's what I want the Welsh public to be proud of, that this team is putting on performances for them."
The result mirrors February’s 1-1 draw in Wrexham — another occasion when Wales defied the odds to frustrate the team ranked sixth in the world by FIFA.
While they remain at the foot of the group with two points, Wales have also run Denmark and Italy close, losing to both by a single goal.
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Goalscorer Cain believes the team’s belief is growing rapidly ahead of their historic first appearance at a major tournament this summer — UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
"It is almost like a mini Euros for us, the teams that we are playing in every single camp are amazing, they are so strong and we are showing we can compete with them and get performances," said Cain.
"We are up there with those sides now."
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Cain’s cool finish in Gothenburg capped a statement performance from a side missing four of its most experienced players — something the Leicester City striker feels underlines the progress made under Wilkinson.
"We've not really been in this position before where we can still put in a top, top performance despite missing such massive players," she said.
"They play a key role and we are missing them. Maybe if those four players had been here tonight we could have got the three points, but we still put in a top performance and hopefully they will be proud of us too."
With just months to go until their Euros debut, Wilkinson’s message is clear — this is a team worth backing.
Their grit, unity, and growing confidence signal that Wales are ready to belong on the biggest stage.
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