Wales expect record attendance of 4,000-plus for their Women’s World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan at Cardiff City Stadium this evening (7pm).
Wales are top of their group having drawn in Russia and won in Kazakhstan, keeping clean sheets in both matches.
Their return fixture against Kazakhstan looks certain to beat Wales’ highest attendance of 3,581, against England at Cardiff City Stadium three years ago.
“All the girls are excited to play here, especially being in Cardiff,” said captain Sophie Ingle.
“A lot of the girls are from the area and we’ve heard a lot of schools, local teams, little girls are coming to watch so hopefully we can put a good performance on for them.”
Leaders Wales are in front of England, who are in action at home against Bosnia-Herzegovina tonight, in group one.
Midfield player Jess Fishlock, who has earned more than 100 caps for Wales, says Wales women are targeting back-to-back wins to maintain momentum.
Wales take on Kazakhstan before travelling to Zenica to face Bosnia-Herzegovina four days later.
Fishlock scored the winning goal against Kazakhstan away and says: “Four points are probably what we would have expected until now.
“But we are aware that we need six points from these two games.
“Kazakhstan won’t be an easy game, but we’ve prepared well and hopefully we can put that into practice come Friday – we are all really excited.
“The preparation has been good so far, the girls are itching to get the game started and it’s about getting the three points now.
“It’s nice to be playing at home. We’ve had the two away games so far and earned great results in both, but there’s always a little more pressure when you are the home team.”
Manager Jayne Ludlow has called up younger players into the squad with players such as Bristol City defender Amina Vine, 16, and Yeovil City’s Hannah Miles, 19 included.
Peyton Vincze, who is based in America, and Charlie Estcourt are both ruled out by injuries.
Captain Sophie Ingle has helped the young players settle into the group and says: “We told them to just be confident in camp. They have been selected them for a reason and we love that they’ve come into this camp and they’re working hard.
“They are pushing us, they want to play in the team and that’s great for us older players.”
Ingle also hopes that the recent growth in stature of women’s football continues at its current pace, and spoke about the importance of strong support.
“I think it’s massive for us, I think it’s growing in Wales, and there are a lot more girl’s teams around now,” said Ingle.
“Compared to when I was a little girl I had to play in a boys’ team, but especially where I’m from in Barry, there is Vale Ladies and Barry Town Ladies and they all vale various age groups.
“If they are at Cardiff City Stadium, supporting us and chanting, it’s going to be massive.”
Manager Jayne Ludlow’s squad for the two World Cup qualifiers includes all-time top scorer Helen Ward.
Wales Women’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Claire Skinner, Laura O’Sullivan.
Defenders: Loren Dykes, Gemma Evans, Hayley Ladd, Rhiannon Roberts, Amina Vine, Alice Griffiths, Shaunna Jenkins, Sophie Ingle.
Midfield: Rachel Rowe, Jess Fishlock, Angharad James, Chloe Lloyd, Kylie Nolan, Gwennan Davies.
Forwards: Nadia Lawrence, Kayleigh Green, Chloe Chivers, Natasha Harding, Helen Ward, Grace Horrell.
Tickets are now on sale priced at just £5 for adults and £2 for concessions. To purchase tickets, please visit faw.cymru, call the Cardiff City Stadium Ticket Office on 0845 345 1400 or click here FAW.Cymru/Tickets
