Kayleigh Barton’s 22nd international goal saw Wales come from behind to claim a stunning 1-1 draw with Sweden at the Stok Racecourse.
Wales were playing in front of a crowd of 6,077 in Wrexham, a record for a home fixture outside of Cardiff, but it was visitors Sweden who dominated long periods of play and took an early lead through Real Madrid’s Filippa Angeldahl.
But Wales defended resolutely and were awarded a second-half penalty following a handball by Emma Kullberg.
Barton drilled beyond Jennifer Falk from the spot as Rhian Wilkinson celebrated a year in charge with what was her side’s first point of the Nations League campaign, coming against a side ranked 25 places higher by Fifa.
Rhian Wilkinson has regularly stated her desire to use the Nations League campaign to prepare her side for this summer’s Euros in Switzerland.
That was perhaps evidenced as the head coach made five changes to the side that started Friday night’s 1-0 defeat by Italy in Monza, the most notable of which saw taliswoman Jess Fishlock named among the substitutes.
Ella Powell, Josie Green, Charlie Estcourt, Lois Joel and Barton were given starts as Lily Woodham, Mayzee Davies, Rhiannon Roberts and Hannah Cain joined Fishlock on the bench.
Sweden boss Peter Gerhardsson made three changes from his side’s 2-1 win over Denmark as Kullberg, Amanda Nilden and Matilda Vinberg replaced Linda Sembrant, Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo – who both netted against the Danes – and Jonna Andersson.
Wales looked to play with intensity and energy from the outset, although it didn’t take long for Sweden – fifth in the Fifa world rankings – to find their rhythm in possession.
And they took the lead with the first meaningful attack of the match in the 14th minute as Vinberg flew past Estcourt on the left flank, and Olivia Clark could only parry her cross into the path of Angeldahl who had the simple task of stroking home from eight yards out – her 19th goal for her country.
Vinberg was causing the hosts plenty of problems, and after Sweden evaded Welsh pressure in their own half, the Tottenham Hotspur winger threaded through to Stina Blackstenius who was beaten to the ball by the onrushing goalkeeper Clark.
The contest was being played almost exclusively in Wales’ half as the visitors fully demonstrated why they have claimed the bronze medal in each of the past two World Cups.
Wilkinson would have at least taken some comfort from the fact that Clark wasn’t being tested despite Sweden’s dominance of the ball.
Wales enjoyed a rare foray forwards late on in the first half as Ceri Holland and Carrie Jones had shots blocked in quick succession – although goalkeeper Falk remained untroubled.
It offered home fans hope ahead of the second 45, particularly given some of the talent Wilkinson had on the bench.
Indeed, the Canadian called on the cavalry as Fishlock, Cain and Roberts replaced Joel, Carrie Jones and Estcourt for the second half.
But Gerhardsson’s side wasted no time in reasserting their dominance and saw Johanna Rytting Kaneryd slice a shot wide from a tight angle immediately after the restart.
Sweden then carved out their best chance since opening the scoring as Angeldahl’s arcing pass found Blackstenius who was superbly denied by Gemma Evans’ last-ditch sliding challenge.
Fishlock makes her mark
Fishlock’s ability to retain possession and bring others into play finally provided Wales with a platform to get forward though, and Holland twice had efforts after running at the Swedish defence.
Clark was relieved to see Julia Zigotti Olme’s looping header skim the top of her crossbar after Hayley Ladd’s sliced clearance left the goalkeeper vulnerable.
Wales continued to hang on as Sweden came within a whisker of putting the contest to bed when substitute Rebecka Blomqvist played Blackstenius through on goal, only for the Arsenal forward to fire against the inside of the post.
Sweden were made to pay for failing to take their chances as Kullberg was penalised for a handball from Holland’s cross in her own box, and Barton rifled her spot-kick down the middle to level proceedings.
It was to be her last act as she was immediately replaced by Elise Hughes, but the Racecourse rocked as Wales played with a renewed optimism.
Wilkinson’s side very nearly went in front as Holland charged down on goal before unleashing a low drive goalwards, only to be denied by Falk.
The hosts had to survive more pressure as Sweden pushed for a late winner, but they battled admirably to the end.
Clark punched a corner clear of her line in the final minute of added time to preserve their unbeaten home record under Wilkinson and claim what will be a morale-boosting draw against such stellar opposition.
Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson said:
“They’re a top five team, and I felt like we had moments.
“I will continue to bring it back to performance, we talk about results, we want them but we’re not chasing results, we’re chasing performance and consistency.
“A tie against Sweden is phenomenal but what it will give these players, I hope, is more and more confidence in themselves as fantastic players.”
