Photo via BBC Sport

Wales focus on Albania as Grainger reunion looms

Wales’ Women’s national team faces a pivotal moment in their quest to reach their first-ever Women’s World Cup, with a potential reunion with former manager Gemma Grainger looming on the horizon. The team, currently unbeaten in their last eight internationals, kicks off their play-off semi-final campaign against Albania this week, with the first leg scheduled for Friday in Shkoder.

Progressing past Albania would set up a December final against Grainger’s Norway side, who are heavy favorites to advance from their own semi-final against Romania. Grainger, who led Wales to a near-miss in the 2023 World Cup qualifying play-offs, now manages Norway and has built a strong team capable of major tournament success.

Midfielder Ceri Holland, who was called into the Wales squad during Grainger’s tenure, has praised her impact on Welsh football, highlighting her role in developing the team’s talent and growing fan engagement. The upcoming matches will test Wales’ ability to overcome tough challenges, with the prospect of facing Grainger again adding an extra layer of intrigue to their campaign.

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