Rhian Wilkinson, head coach of the Welsh women's national football team, emphasized that her squad must concentrate on their own performance rather than worrying about opponents' results as they navigate a tight World Cup qualifying group.
Wales secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Albania in Wrexham on Tuesday, but still found themselves displaced from the top spot in Group B1 by the Czech Republic. Both teams now have identical records halfway through the qualifying phase, with Wales dropping to second due to fewer away goals scored.
"We play them in the last game of our group stage. We know that," Wilkinson stated after the Albania match. "It's not about their scores, it's making sure we take care of our own business. When you force things, that's not how good football occurs. So we take care of our own business and they will mind their own."
The upcoming schedule sees Wales facing Albania again this Saturday before traveling to Montenegro in June. Four days later, they'll host the Czech Republic in what could be a decisive final group match on June 9. With head-to-head records serving as the primary tiebreaker, that Cardiff encounter may ultimately determine which team finishes first.
Wilkinson acknowledged the likely significance of the final match while maintaining her team-first philosophy: "I mean, it's how it's tracking, but equally I think Montenegro and Albania will want to have something to say about that. So we take care of the game in front of us and they take care of theirs and then you'll see where we end up."
Securing top position in the group carries particular importance for Wales, who must navigate play-offs later this year since League B offers no automatic qualification route. A first-place finish would provide a more favorable path toward reaching what would be their inaugural Women's World Cup appearance in Brazil next year.
The Albania victory showcased Wales' attacking prowess with Hannah Cain scoring twice, supplemented by goals from Elise Hughes and Rhiannon Roberts. Equally significant was the defensive performance that delivered Wales' first clean sheet in 18 matches.
"I really appreciated the players' effort at keeping that consistent high level through the 90-plus minutes, always pushing, always staying focused," Wilkinson remarked. "A performance for a full 90 that any coach would be pleased with."
Wales began their qualifying campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic in October, followed by decisive wins against Montenegro and now Albania. The Czechs have mirrored this progress with victories over both Albania and Montenegro, setting the stage for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to Group B1 in June.