Fishlock wonder strike seals Welsh World Cup win.

Evergreen Wales star Jess Fishlock struck a wonderful volley during extra time to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina and clinch a memorable victory at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Even by the standards of recent football nights in the Welsh capital, this was an evening of the highest drama. The game saw four disallowed goals for Wales before Fishlock’s spectacular winner.

The victory sets Wales up for a challenging encounter with a talented Swiss side next week. Victory could see Gemma Grainger’s side qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

A complex series of potential results could also see them feature in an inter-confederation play-off in New Zealand in February to try and reach the finals.

A crowd of 15,200 attended the Cardiff City clash, breaking the attendance record for a home Welsh women’s football international set as recently as September at the same venue.

Fishlock returned from injury for the home side, but evergreen Natasha Harding was missing due to personal reasons. Rhiannon Roberts and Rachel Rowe each earned their 50^th cap for Wales.

The game also saw the use of VAR for the first time at a women’s international in Wales.

Wales almost made a dream start but Fishlock’s drive was blocked by the visiting defence with barely a minute played. Brighton’s Kayleigh Green also eluded her markers a moment later to send a dangerous cross into the box. Perhaps a hint of offside though.

It was Fishlock again who stung the hands of visiting keeper Almina Hodžić next as Wales looked rampant going forward. The holder of 119 caps was in determined form for the home team.

However Wales were grateful to their own keeper Laura O’Sullivan who kept out a clever effort from Marija Aleskić before Ceri Holland headed firmly at Hodžić as this entertaining game swung from end to end.

Green had the ball in the net on 14 minutes following neat footwork by the effervescent Fishlock but an offside flag denied her the goal. Fishlock’s endeavour also led to a chance which Holland sent crashing against the woodwork.

The game settled down as Bosnia and Herzegovina slowly came into things, though a flick-on on from Green led to a chance for Holland as we neared the half-hour mark.

Rowe also tested Hodžić from 20 yards or so but the custodian was up to the task. Angharad James sent an acrobatic effort over the bar as half-time loomed.

Chelsea’s Sophie Ingle sought to drive her team on at every opportunity as a Welsh goal seemed increasingly likely. Visiting skipper Melisa Hasanbegović had been in determined mood throughout though as she led her side off level at the interval.

The opening exchanges of the second half lacked the gusto of the first as the visitors, led by the impressive Minela Gačanica up top, forced the hosts onto the back foot.

Birthday girl Hayley Ladd, who had enjoyed a sound performance so far, almost blotted her copy book on 55 minutes as her header back towards goal eluded O’Sullivan. The Manchester United defender saved her own blushes though by scrambling the ball clear.

The Red Wall of home fans did their best to lift the spirits of the Welsh team as Green and Fishlock continued to give their all. Chances had become rare though. Green had a second effort chalked off for offside on 64 minutes.

Spanish Referee Marta Huerta De Aza brandished yellow cards as tempers began to fray with so much to play for.

Despite the Welsh efforts, most of the chances came from around the edge of the penalty area. Fishlock stretched to connect with into a deep ball into danger as extra time beckoned.

Ffion Morgan replaced Carrie Jones with 10 minutes left on the clock and the youngster smashed the ball home with what may have been her first touch. Yet again an offside flag denied Wales – assisted by VAR. The decision seemed harsh. Fishlock soon had the ball in the net again but was also denied glory by the officials. The fourth disallowed goal of the night.

The Welsh threw everything forward as the seconds ticked away towards four added minutes. More yellow cards as bodies tumbled all around.

Extra time.

Morgan posed a threat out wide as Grainger’s girls threw their tired limbs forward against a packed and determined defence. Holland headed narrowly over from one of many unproductive corners. One way traffic now though.

The moment the home crowd craved finally arrived as the talismanic Fishlock hooked in a memorable volley with virtually the last kick of the first spell of extra time. Wild scenes erupted on the field as the entire side engulfed her in celebration.

Wales rolled up their collective sleeves. Nerves jangled in the stands as this long night continued to thrill. The visitors threw on a collection of subs as the moments ebbed away.

Unsurprisingly, an exhausted Fishlock left the field with five minutes to go, to be replaced by the experienced Helen Ward.

It should have been all about game management now but the home side continued to drive forward in search of a crucial second goal. Megan Wynne replaced the mighty Green with three added minutes left at the end of extra time. The home crowd roared out the anthem. It was enough to drive the Welsh home.

The final whistle brought scenes of glee and exhaustion as the home side collapsed to the turf.

Fishlock was grabbed by the media for interview before she had even left the field as the whole stadium milked the moment.

What a night.

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