Wales suffer defeat against France

Michael Pearlman
At
Arena St Gallen, St Gallen

Wales are set for Euro 2025 elimination after suffering a 4-1 defeat against France in St Gallen.

France took the lead on seven minutes as Clara Mateo controlled beautifully and volleyed home after Wales failed to clear from the third corner they had conceded in quick succession.

Wales were behind for only five minutes as Jess Fishlock finished from close range. Ceri Holland beat the France offside trap and crossed on the ground for Fishlock after her first effort was blocked - and though the goal was initially disallowed for offside, it was given after a video assistant referee check.

The goal galvanised Wales, who were highly competitive in a first half of real quality, with Rhian Wilkinson's side more comfortable in possession and threatening on the counter.

However, just as in the first game against the Netherlands, Wales were undone on the stroke of half-time as a rash challenge by Holland on Mateo allowed Kadidiatou Diani to score from the penalty spot, with Wales goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel agonisingly close to saving the effort with her legs as the ball trickled over the line.

Middleton-Patel's mistake gave France a decisive third goal on 53 minutes as she hesitated with the ball at her feet and Mateo picked her pocket, stealing the ball and picking a perfect pass for Amel Majri, who whipped the ball across goal into the bottom corner of the net.

Grace Geyero scored from close range on 63 minutes, with Middleton-Patel making several saves to ensure the contest did not turn into a rout.

Defeat means Wales are now effectively eliminated from Euro 2025, with their hopes of progressing in miracle territory, needing to beat holders England by a four-goal margin and hope France beat Netherlands on Sunday. France need a point against the Dutch to secure qualification as Group D winners.

What were the main talking points?

For Wales the reality of being drawn in such a monstrously tough group continued with a clash against a France side that came into this contest having won nine matches in succession.

Following England's thumping win over the Netherlands the margin for error for Wales was tiny with a result imperative against a nation currently ranked 10th in the world rankings.

That was no easy task with Wales having never beaten a top 10 nation in their history and having only earned four draws against top 10 sides since the rankings were introduced in 2003, albeit with three of those draws coming in the past 18 months.

Wales barely even had a moment to savour in their opening match against the Netherlands when their afternoon peaked with a spine-tingling rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, but they were a totally different proposition against France.

Fishlock's goal was a moment for the ages for Wales and they were a match for France all over the field before Holland's regrettable challenge gave France a penalty.

Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson made some big selection calls, including selecting 20-year old Manchester United goalkeeper Middleton-Patel for just her fifth cap and the youngster was involved in several highlight moments, including saving smartly from Mateo early on and brilliantly rushing out of her goal to tackle club teammate Melvine Malard when she went clean through.

However, her mistake was punished to the fullest extent for France's third goal, before she missed Diani's cross as France scored their fourth, a harsh outcome for a prodigious talent.

Jess FishlockGetty Images

No player has played more games or scored more goals for Wales than Jess Fishlock

Which player stood out?

'What a moment' - Fishlock scores equaliser for Wales against France

A full 19 years after making her international debut in Switzerland, it was only fitting that Fishlock was the player who scored Wales' first major tournament goal, becoming the oldest player to score at a women's European Championship.

A title winner in six different countries, Fishlock has dreamed for two decades of such a moment and even though they look destined to exit Euro 2025 at the group stage, Fishlock provided a moment Wales' supporters will never forget.

Fishlock was substituted on 86 minutes, replaced by Sophie Ingle, who returned to action after more than a year out following ACL surgery.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

The standout stats

England are fifth, France 10th and the Netherlands 11th in the Fifa world rankings. Despite giving all they have to give, Wales, ranked 30th in the world, have just found the quality of their opponents too much to deal with at Euro 2025.

What is next for these teams?

France celebrate their opening goalGetty Images

France have now won 10 games in succession

The final round of Group D games will be played on Sunday, 13 July with Wales remaining in St Gallen where they will face England. France will travel to Basel to face the Netherlands with both matches kicking off at 20:00 BST.

Player of the match

J. Fishlock
5.67
14 C. Matéo
5.63
11 K. Diani
5.53
9 M. Malard
5.51
10 A. Majri
5.49
17 S. Baltimore
5.49
12 M. Katoto
5.43
7 S. Karchaoui
5.42
15 K. Gago
5.40
23 L. Bogaert
5.25
8 G. Geyoro
5.21
4 A. Sombath
5.17
6 S. Toletti
5.16
13 S. Bacha
5.12
3 T. Samoura
5.07
22 M. N'Dongala
4.98
16 P. Peyraud-Magnin
4.82
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