Wales on the Brink of Euro 2025 After Crushing Croatia

Wales revitalized their European Championship qualification hopes with a 3-0 victory over Croatia, on a night when Jess Fishlock equaled Helen Ward’s goal-scoring record. Fishlock’s powerful strike in the 14th minute marked her 44th Wales goal, giving her a chance to surpass Ward when Kosovo visits Parc y Scarlets. Needing only a point from their final group game, Wales is on the brink of topping group B4 and earning a seeded spot in the Euro 2025 play-offs.

The match saw Wales secure their win with second-half goals from Sophie Ingle and Kayleigh Barton. Ingle’s close-range shot went in off the post and Barton sealed the victory with a late penalty. This performance keeps Wales’ dream of reaching their first major tournament alive. Fishlock, Wales’ record appearance-maker, was pivotal in this crucial match.

She scored the opener with a stunning right-footed shot off the crossbar. Winning her 153rd cap, Fishlock once again demonstrated her importance to the team, despite traveling directly from the United States after playing for her club, Seattle Reign. She nearly broke the record with a 54th-minute volley that narrowly missed. Wales’ manager Rhian Wilkinson emphasized the need for a decisive result following back-to-back draws with Ukraine.

Wales responded by taking control after Fishlock’s opener and dominated the match. Doris Bacic made crucial saves to deny Kayleigh Barton and Ceri Holland, but Wales’ pressure eventually paid off. Ingle’s 66th-minute goal provided Wales with a cushion, and Barton’s late penalty secured the win. With this victory, Wales is in a strong position to top group B4 and advance to the Euro 2025 play-offs as a seeded team.

Their final qualifier against Bosnia & Herzegovina at Windsor Park will determine their seeding status but their path to the tournament looks promising.