Wales' Euro 2025 hopes hanging by a thread as France thumping leaves underdogs facing 'group of death' elimination despite historic Jess Fishlock goal

Jess Fishlock Wales Euro 2025

France romped to a 4-1 victory over Wales on Wednesday, overcoming a scare to exercise their dominance and leave the Euros newbies facing elimination.

Grace Geyoro Melvine Malard France Women 2025

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France started brightly, taking the lead through Clara Mateo eight minutes in before surprisingly being pegged back shortly afterwards when Wales icon Jess Fishlock scored her country's first-ever goal at a major tournament. The underdogs had some strong first-half moments but after Kadidiatou Diani converted a French penalty on the brink of half-time, Laurent Bonadei's side relaxed and started spraying the ball around with confidence, cutting through the Welsh backline regularly and showing their clinical side in front of goal, with Amel Majri and Grace Geyoro both getting on the scoresheet in the second half to wrap up a comfortable victory.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fishlock's early equaliser made international football history, with the Wales forward becoming the oldest goal-scorer in the history of the Women's Euros. The 38-year-old will bow out having made a huge impact on the trajectory of women's football in Wales.

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THE MVP

Lyon star Diani consistently looked like the biggest threat on the pitch. Even during the first half, when Wales were relatively comfortable, her explosions of pace and clever footwork opened up opportunities for the French to advance forwards. Her penalty was fairly weak, but it still ended up in the back of the net and sparked France's march to the three points.

THE BIG LOSER

It seems harsh given her limited international experience and strong first-half performance, but Wales goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel's mistake leading to France's third goal was a major turning point in this game. After dallying in possession in her own penalty area, she lost the ball and it was squared to the clinical Majri, who dispatched the chance with ease.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

The result doesn't quite confirm Wales' exit from their first-ever Euros, but they will need to win big against holders and neighbours England to secure passage to the next round, which is unlikely. Regardless, there are certainly things to be proud of for Rhian Wilkinson's side, not least their first Euros goal (scored in the 'group of death', no less). Meanwhile, France are effectively guaranteed a place in the knockouts after securing a maximum six points from their opening two group games ahead of taking on the Netherlands, who were thrashed by the Lionesses earlier on Wednesday.

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MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐