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Sunday, October 26, 2025

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Australia spoil Fishlock farewell party

Wales 1 (M.Griffiths 55) Australia 2 (Nevin 28, Foord 85)

Jess Fishlock’s international career ended with a 2-1 defeat to Australia at Cardiff City Stadium, a poignant farewell

for the Wales record cap holder and goalscorer in front of a devoted home crowd in excess of 11,000.

Head coach Rhian Wilkinson handed 18-year-old defender Gwen Zimmerman her first senior cap, with Safia Middleton-Patel selected in goal. Fishlock, captaining Wales for her 166th and final appearance, was visibly emotional during the national anthem. Meanwhile, Australia boss Joe Montemurro named record goalscorer Sam Kerr as captain on her return from injury, while Hayley Raso marked her 100th cap.

The Matildas nearly took an early lead when Katrina Gorry’s long range effort struck the crossbar. Wales settled into the game, with Ceri Holland shining on the left, combining effectively with Fishlock and Hannah Cain. However, Australia went ahead on 28 minutes when Courtney Nevin’s free kick caught out Middleton-Patel and found the net.

Wales responded with intent, as Fishlock’s precise through ball set up Cain, only for Teagan Micah to make the save. Despite their push for an equaliser, Wales trailed at half time.

Zimmerman, impressive on her debut, was substituted for Charlie Estcourt at the break and Wales nearly levelled early in the second half when Fishlock was denied a fairytale moment by Micah.

The equaliser came on 55 minutes through 18-year-old Mared Griffiths - yet to be born when Fishlock made her international debut - who marked her first senior start with a superb strike to draw level.

Wales matched Australia’s intensity, but the visitors threatened again when Amy Sayer fired over from close range on 73 minutes. The decisive moment arrived on 85 minutes as Caitlin Foord found space in the box to restore Australia’s lead, a goal that proved conclusive.

Wales: Safia Middleton-Patel, Gemma Evans, Hayley Ladd, Gwen Zimmerman (sub Charlie Estcourt 45mins), Sophie Ingle, Mared Griffiths (sub Carrie Jones 82mins), Ceri Holland, Anghard James, Ffion Morgan (sub Scarlett Hill 82mins), Jessica Fishlock (Tianna Teisar 90mins), Hannah Cain (sub Elise Hughes 68mins). Subs not used: Olivia Clark, Anna Filbey, Alice Griffiths, Mary McAteer, Mia Ross, Teagan Scarlett, Poppy Soper.

Australia: Teagan Micah, Kaitlyn Torpey (sub Amy Sayer 66mins), Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Courtney Nevin, Katrina Gorry (sub Alanna Kennedy 76mins), Clare Wheeler, Hayley Raso (sub Ellie Carpenter 66mins), Sam Kerr (sub Holly McNamara 66mins), Kyra Cooney-Cross (sub Michelle Heyman 90mins), Caitlin Foord (Cortnee Vine 90mins). Subs not used: Mackenzie Arnold, Steph Catley, Morgan Aquino, Charlotte Grant, Jamilla Rankin, Remy Siemsen.    

 

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