WALES secured an impressive 1-1 draw against Sweden in the Nations League, following a thrilling encounter that saw Rhian Wilkinson’s side fight back to earn a point against the world’s sixth-ranked team.
The result mirrored their remarkable 1-1 draw in Wrexham in February, with Wales once again coming from behind to stun a Swedish side that had taken the lead through Magdalena Eriksson’s header just before the hour mark.
Wales’ resilience was on full display as they continued to punch above their weight against some of the world’s best teams, with an inspired performance from goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel standing out. Making just her third international start, Middleton-Patel was superb throughout, keeping Sweden at bay with a series of fine saves, including crucial stops from Fridolina Rolfo and Kosovare Asllani.
Despite the setbacks of key player absences—Sophie Ingle, Jess Fishlock, and Kayleigh Barton all missing, alongside vice-captain Ceri Holland who was sidelined by a shin injury—Wales refused to be intimidated. The injuries made their task in Sweden all the more daunting, but Wilkinson’s side adapted with determination.
In an intriguing lineup reshuffle, Wales handed a start to defender Esther Morgan, who was making her return to international football after 639 days on the sidelines due to injury. Striker Elise Hughes, back from ACL surgery, also made her first start for Wales in over a year. Middleton-Patel’s inclusion in goal was another key change, marking her third appearance for her country, and by far her biggest challenge to date.
The match saw Wales have an early chance when Hughes headed wide from Rhiannon Roberts’ cross. However, Sweden quickly began to apply pressure, with Middleton-Patel firmly in the thick of the action. She saved Asllani’s shot before pulling off a magnificent diving stop to deny Rolfo.
Wales were fortunate not to be trailing after Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s effort drifted narrowly wide following a lightning-fast counter-attack led by Rolfo. As the first half progressed, Wales created a couple of decent counter-attacking opportunities, but Carrie Jones and Ella Powell’s dangerous crosses were just out of reach for their teammates.
The Swedish side should have gone ahead just before the break, but Asllani fired just wide of the post with only Middleton-Patel to beat, with the goalkeeper perhaps getting the slightest of touches to push the ball wide.
Wales’ defensive resolve lasted until the 60th minute, when Eriksson’s header from Filippa Angeldahl’s perfectly delivered corner broke the deadlock. Despite the frustration of conceding in such a manner after an hour of solid defending, Wales were quick to respond.
Substitute Hannah Cain made an immediate impact, scoring just four minutes after her introduction. A stunning breakaway goal, initiated by Rachel Rowe’s expertly weighted pass, sent Cain through on goal. The Leicester City forward rounded Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk and finished with precision, striking the ball into the inside of the post to equalise.
With the score level, Wales became the side asking all the questions. On 76 minutes, they came close to snatching a shock lead when Ffion Morgan’s shot was superbly saved by Falk. Sweden responded by ramping up their efforts, but Wales’ defence and Middleton-Patel remained resolute.
The young goalkeeper produced two more remarkable saves, first denying Stina Blackstenius, then keeping out Rytting Kaneryd’s effort. She followed up with another fine stop to turn Julia Zigiotti Olme’s shot around the post and thwarted a late header from Madelen Janogy. As Sweden pressed for a winner in added time, Middleton-Patel made yet another key save, this time denying Matilda Vinberg.
Despite further counter-attacks from Wales, including one from Cain that was blocked by Falk, the scoreline remained unchanged, and the visitors can be proud of their efforts. This result further boosts Wales’ morale ahead of their debut appearance at Euro 2025, the country’s first major tournament.
Wilkinson’s side will be buoyed by this display, continuing to defy expectations as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead on the European stage.
