Nations League B, Group 1; 3rd March 2026
Mestsky Fotbalovy Stadion Miroslava Valenty
Cymru’s first match of this year’s Nations League. Now in League B, this was the start of a long and complicated road to the World Cup in Brazil. First game away to Czechia, who are 31st in the FIFA Rankings one place above 32nd place Cymru. A match that was set to be Cymru’s toughest match in Group 1, which also features Albania (71st) and Montenegro (84th).
The visitors started brightly, with Jess Fishlock watching on from the coaches’ bench, this was the start of a new era for Cymru. But unfortunately, the bright start soon went dark, when after 15 minutes the thing that put fear into Cymru fans’ hearts happened:- the dreaded corner. Set pieces have been a major thorn in the side of Rhian Wilkinson’s team over the last year. Sadly, echoing what has become a common occurrence, it was a mess of a corner which Cymru failed to clear, with Eva Bartonva having the final touch on her 90th Cap. Yet another goal conceded from a set piece.
Quarter of an hour later Cymru managed to settle everything down and with excellent build-up in the midfield, they got the ball out to Lily Woodham on the left wing. Woodham’s inch perfect cross was met by Hannah Cain on the penalty spot to slot home the equaliser.
Unfortunately, at the start of the second half there was another Czechia set piece, a free kick just outside the Cymru box. The cross was expertly brought down by Eva Bartonova, who then twisted and turned the Cymru defence and put in an excellent cross to the back post. Jana Zufankova’s hip did the rest. 2-1 Czechia.
Cymru kept fighting till the end and in the 93rd minute of the match, after a long spell of possession and a few balls in the Czechia box, the ball came out to Gemma Evans who then placed a perfect left footed cross into the box. The ball was met by Elise Hughes who rose above the Czechia defence to header home an injury time equaliser. Cue the celebrations on the Cymru bench and in Y Wal Goch. Snatching a point that could make a big difference come the end of the campaign, hopefully giving Cymru a favourable playoff draw.
With a draw that will feel like a win, this should bring a lot of confidence to the young side and hopefully they will kick on from here with a win on Saturday.
Cymru have not won a competitive match since that historic night in Dublin on 3rd December 2024. Seven defeats and three draws since then. Cymru made their first tournament in that time, and a lot of excellent young players have come through to the first team, so there has been a lot of positives but unfortunately football is a results game and Cymru need to get back into winning ways quickly. Now onto Montenegro on Saturday and hopefully a win to celebrate.
Report from from @StephenJBaker5.