On the 25th and 29th of October, the Welsh women's football team will face Slovakia in a two legged play-off semi final that could see them progress to play-off final, keeping their hopes alive for qualifying for the European Championships, hosted by Switzerland in the summer of 2025. Wales have never qualified to play in both the Euros or the World Cup, so progressing past Slovakia would be a significant step closer to making their debut at a major international tournament. Slovakia and Wales have met twice in the past, both matches nearly a decade ago in 2015.
Wales won one with a 1-0 scoreline, while Slovakia won the other,2-1. Despite these close encounters, Welsh fans should expect a different picture this time, with Cymru’s squad featuring players who compete in some of the top women’s leagues, including the Women's Super League in England and the National Women's Soccer League in The United States. In contrast,Slovakia’s players largely compete in lower-profile leagues across Europe, suggesting that nearly a decade on, Wales and their supporters should be hoping for a more comfortable victory., However, fans should look out for Slovakian number 11, Patrícia Hmírová, who could pose a threat up front.
Hmírová scored in Slovakia previous qualification game against Israel in a 2-0 win, she is also Slovakia's all-time top scorer. With Slovakia having never qualified for a major international tournament either, they will certainly put up a fight. If Wales progress, they will face either Georgia or a Celtic clash in Ireland in the next round.
A win in that round would see Wales qualify for the Euros, joining teams like Germany, Spain, Iceland, Denmark, France, England, Italy, Netherlands and host Switzerland, as well as other play-off winnersQualifying for the Euros would mark a massive step forward for women's football in Wales, boosting its visibility and popularity. After England's Lionesses won the previous Euros on home turf, there was a significant surge in women's football in the UK, with increased participation, viewership and overall visibility. A potential Welsh qualification is certain to fuel similar growth in the sport within the UK.
The second leg will be held at Cardiff City Stadium, so if you’re interested in going to support the women in their hopes of qualification, you are in the perfect place to do so!