Page 13 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.21 2022-23

Wales 0
Iceland 0
Defender Gemma Evans notched up her 50th cap as Wales played out a goalless draw with
Iceland in their second game of the Pinatar Cup.
Wales are 16 places lower than Iceland in the world rankings but it was Gemma
Grainger's side who enjoyed the better of the opportunities throughout the evening. They
limited Iceland to few chances and enjoyed opportunities of their own in front of goal, with
Ceri Holland and Rachel Rowe both going close.
They were unable to find a breakthrough but did enough in defence to keep their
second clean sheet of the tournament against an Iceland side who have reached the last four
UEFA European Championship finals.
Grainger made two changes from their opening 1-0 victory over the Philippines three
days earlier. Laura O’Sullivan replaced Safia Middleton-Patel, who departed camp early to
join up with the Under-19s in Portugal, and Jessica Fishlock was brought in for Carrie Jones.
Wales’ high press caused Iceland issues throughout the first half and it almost led to an
early opener after nine minutes. Fishlock dispossessed Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir and found
the onrushing Rowe, but her right footed effort sailed over the crossbar.
Rowe then turned provider and her crossfield ball picked out Holland, who stretched
to get on the end of it and shot over the crossbar. But Wales were nearly undone up the
opposite end almost immediately after Sveindis Jonsdottir was sent through on goal, only
for Evans made a crucial block to prevent the midfielder from picking out a team mate in the
area.
Rowe went close again after getting on the end of Angharad James’ cutback from the
byline, but she shot straight at goalkeeper Celia Rundarsdottir.
Another chance fell Wales’ way minutes into the second half when Kayleigh Green’s
through ball was collected by Holland. The winger got beyond two defenders in the area and
then curled an effort over the crossbar.
Jonsdottir was the most threatening Iceland player throughout and she nearly broke
the deadlock with four minutes left on the clock. Aslaug Gunnlaugsdottir's corner found her
unmarked in the penalty area but she failed to make a strong connection with the ball in
what proved to be the final opportunity.
The result saw Wales sit second in the Pinatar Cup table ahead of their final fixture of
the tournament against Scotland on Tuesday.
Wales: Laura O’Sullivan, Lily Woodham, Gemma Evans, Hayley Ladd, Rhiannon
Roberts, Sophie Ingle, Angharad James, Rachel Rowe, Jessica Fishlock (sub Hannah Cain
63mins), Ceri Holland, Kayleigh Green (sub Carrie Jones 84mins). Subs not used: Olivia
Clark, Josie Green, Charlie Estcourt, Esther Morgan, Ella Powell, Anna Filbey, Megan
Wynne, Georgia Walters, Elise Hughes, Helen Ward.
Iceland: Celia Rundarsdottir, Elisa Vidarsdottir, Glodis Viggosdottir, Gunnhildur
Jonsdottir (sub Amanda Andradottir 76mins), Selma Magnusdottir, Karolina
Vilhjalmsdottir (sub Dagny Brynjarsdottir 62mins), Berglind Porvaldsdottir (sub Olof
Kristinsdottir 62mins), Hlin Eiriksdottir (sub Dilja Zomers 62mins), Gudrun Arnardottir,
Aslaug Gunnlaugsdottir, Sveindis Jonsdottir. Subs not used: Sandra Sigurdardottir,
Telma Ivarsdottir, Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir, Arna Asgrimsdottir, Alexandra
Johannsdottir, Agla Albertsdottir, Hafrun Halldorsdottir.
(faw.cymru)
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk