Cymru’s historic debut in a major women’s football tournament may have ended in disappointment on the pitch, but for thousands of supporters, the overwhelming feeling is one of pride — and belief in what lies ahead.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side kicked off their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign on Saturday in Lucerne, where they faced a formidable Netherlands team – the 2017 European champions. Despite holding their own for much of the first half, a goal from Dutch captain Vivianne Miedema moments before the break set the tone for a 3-0 defeat.
But for the fans — many of whom had waited their entire lives to see Cymru women compete at this level — the result didn’t overshadow the significance of the occasion.
“It was a little heart-breaking that we didn’t score,” said Hannah Jones, who watched the match from Colwyn Bay with Alyson Jane and their dog Chester. “But we go again and hopefully see Sophie get some minutes.”
More than 3,800 Cymru fans travelled to the Allmend Stadium in Switzerland, joining thousands more back home in pubs and fan zones. Among the crowd was First Minister Eluned Morgan, who shared her support on social media earlier in the week with a childhood photo of herself playing football.
“I was once a young girl who loved to play football, so I know the heart, dedication and passion you’ve put in to get here,” she said.
The journey to this milestone has been a long one. The national women’s team wasn’t formally recognised by the Football Association of Cymru (FAW) until 1993. Yet in December last year, the squad etched their names into sporting history by qualifying for their first major tournament.
FAW officials say Cymru are expected to have one of the largest fan turnouts in Switzerland, with only three other nations bringing more support. And with the largest-ever television audience for a Cymru women’s match expected, officials hope this moment will trigger a lasting surge in the women’s game across the country.
For fans like 21-year-old Libby Stott from Wigan, there’s no question of giving up hope. “They’ve got some difficult teams,” she admitted. “It will be difficult, but I don’t know — hopefully. They are the underdogs.”
Nicole Power, 21, from Liverpool, shared that sentiment. “I did believe that they were going to be the underdogs today.”
Emma, 27, and Tom, 30, travelled from Cardiff to attend their first tournament. “I’m disappointed,” Tom said, “but I’m so proud of the girls and the performance was really battling. I had a great time – so it could be worse.”
Father and son duo Will and Ieun Davies, from Cardiff, also made the journey. “The girls gave everything today,” said 48-year-old Will. “They put in a good performance, but the Netherlands are a strong side. I think we struggled a little after the goal just before half-time.”
In Lucerne, 16-year-old Olivia and her parents Lyndon and Nichola made the trip to support the side in person. “We’re here to encourage them and help them feel motivated,” said Olivia, who also plays football herself. “It will inspire people to play, to support the team and to watch the game.”
Jenny Eos, 30, from Cardiff, perhaps summed it up best: “The Cymru story is one of endurance. Whether it was the Red Wall carrying the anthem to the last minute or the team punching above their weight, we endured so much just to get here — and play.”
Next up, Cymru face France on Wednesday night — another challenge, certainly, but one they will meet with grit, heart, and an army of supporters behind them. The result may not have gone their way this time, but the journey is far from over.
