Women
Wales Misses Chance in Women's World Cup Qualifiers
June 6, 2026 · Manuel Castro
Wales' coach Rhian Wilkinson expressed disappointment after a 1-1 draw with Montenegro in Women's World Cup qualifiers, missing a chance to lead Group B1.
Wales' hopes of taking control in the Women's World Cup qualifying group were dashed following a 1-1 draw against Montenegro. Despite taking the lead with a penalty from Hannah Cain, Wales could not capitalize on their advantage. The match, held in Podgorica, saw Wales being denied a second goal when an effort by Elise Hughes was cleared off the line by Montenegro's Sladjana Bulatovic. Jasna Djokovic then equalized late for Montenegro, leaving Wales frustrated.
Head Coach Rhian Wilkinson criticized her team's lack of intensity and focus. "That wasn't good enough," she remarked, pointing out the complacency and lack of urgency in her squad's play. The draw meant Wales missed a crucial opportunity to edge ahead of the Czech Republic in Group B1, who also drew their match against Albania. A win would have left Wales needing only a draw in their final group game against the Czechs to secure top place. Instead, they now face a must-win situation in Cardiff.
The absence of goal-line technology at the Gradski Stadion added to the controversy, with Wilkinson expressing her frustration over the lack of VAR. However, she acknowledged that her team needed to convert their chances. "We have to grab these opportunities," she emphasized, looking ahead to the decisive match against the Czech Republic.
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Head Coach Rhian Wilkinson criticized her team's lack of intensity and focus. "That wasn't good enough," she remarked, pointing out the complacency and lack of urgency in her squad's play. The draw meant Wales missed a crucial opportunity to edge ahead of the Czech Republic in Group B1, who also drew their match against Albania. A win would have left Wales needing only a draw in their final group game against the Czechs to secure top place. Instead, they now face a must-win situation in Cardiff.
The absence of goal-line technology at the Gradski Stadion added to the controversy, with Wilkinson expressing her frustration over the lack of VAR. However, she acknowledged that her team needed to convert their chances. "We have to grab these opportunities," she emphasized, looking ahead to the decisive match against the Czech Republic.
---
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1. [AZ Introduces New Coach, Polak Returns to ADO](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/az-introduces-new-coach-polak-returns-to-ado)
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