by Callum Ellis
Date: Thursday 7th June
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Goal: Kayleigh Green (61’)
WALES Women returned to the top of their World Cup qualifying group with a 1-0 win over Bosnia, thanks to a second half goal from Kayleigh Green.
The Yeovil midfielder’s strike was the difference between the two sides after top scorer Helen Ward was denied from the penalty spot.
Jayne Ludlow made one change from the goalless draw with England last time out as Ward replaced the injured Charlie Estcourt.
Bosnia created an early opportunity through Milena Nikolic, who fired a dangerous ball across the face of goal before Natasha Harding tracked back well to deny the visitors.
Wales looked as though they would be forced into making an early change when Jess Fishlock went down under a challenge. But she returned to the field after receiving treatment, much to the delight of the home support.
Ludlow’s side created their first chance of the game through Rachel Rowe, but her effort from range sailed over the bar and failed to trouble Envera Hasanbegovic.
The hosts continued to press for the opening goal as Rhiannon Roberts connected with Fishlock’s free-kick and forced another save from the Bosnia goalkeeper.
Hasanbegovic’s opposite number, Laura O’Sullivan, was called into action mid-way through the first half as she equalled Merjema Medic’s effort from range.
Wales enjoyed a successful spell of possession as the game approached the half-hour mark and looked to frustrate the Bosnia defence.
Fishlock, Green and Rowe all combined before Harding’s effort was comfortably saved by Hasanbegovic. The hosts looked the team more likely to break the dead-lock but failed to make their chances count in the final third.
Roberts’ cross into the penalty area found Green free as Wales created another opportunity, though she failed to direct her header on target.
The best chance of the half fell to Fishlock minutes before the interval. The Seattle Reign midfielder showed individual brilliance to race through on goal, before Envera Hasanbegovic did well to close down the space and deny her from close range.
Wales headed into the break with the upper hand, while goalkeeper O’Sullivan was kept fairly quiet throughout the opening period.
Wales were awarded a golden chance to take the lead 10 minutes into the second half as Ward was brought down in the area and the referee awarded a penalty. The Watford Ladies striker stepped up to take the resulting spot kick but saw her effort denied by Hasanbegovic.
Ludlow’s side did not let the missed chance get to them and continued to pressurise Bosnia as Roberts unleashed an effort at goal.
Wales finally broke the dead-lock through Green, who pounced on a loose ball in the area before firing past Hasanbegovic to give the hosts a deserved lead just after the hour mark.
Roberts again went close to doubling Wales’ advantage with an effort from the edge of the area, but failed to direct her shot on target.
The hosts looked to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors who had begun to tire. Angharad James’ corner into the area found the head of Roberts, who forced Hasanbegovic into a strong save from close range.
Wales held out to secure the three points and now turn their attention to Tuesday evening when they take on Russia at Newport Stadium.
Wales Women: Laura O’Sullivan, Loren Dykes, Sophie Ingle (C), Rhiannon Roberts, Natasha Harding, Angharad James, Kayleigh Green, Jess Fishlock, Rachel Rowe, Hayley Ladd, Helen Ward (Nadia Lawrence 89’).
Bosnia and Herzegovina Women: Envera Hasanbegović, Valentina Šakotić, Antonela Radeljić, Melisa Hasanbegović, Merjema Medić (Marina Lukic 46’), Aida Hadžić, Milena Nikolić (C), Alisa Spahić (Zerina Piskić 60’), Lidija Kuliš, Selma Kapetanović (Alma Kamerić 72’), Amela Kršo.
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