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Safia shines as Wales hold Sweden again

Sweden 1 (Eriksson 60)

Wales 1 (Cain 70)  

Wales delivered a determined performance to secure a 1-1 draw against a strong Sweden side, with manager Rhian Wilkinson urging her

players to seize their chances despite a depleted squad.

The result offers further encouragement for Wilkinson and her players ahead of this summer’s EURO 2025 finals in Switzerland.

Wales were without several key players, with Jessica Fishlock, Ceri Holland, and Laura O’Sullivan-Jones joining Kayleigh Barton and Sophie Ingle on the injury list. Goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel earned only her third senior cap, while 18-year-old defender Mayzee Davies, fresh from a Player of the Match display against Italy, retained her place in the starting line up. Esther Morgan marked her return to the team, adding an attacking dimension down the flank.

From the outset, Wales faced a stern test from Sweden’s potent attack, but Middleton-Patel shone brightly in goal. The young keeper produced a series of impressive saves to deny Fridolina Rolfö, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, and Filippa Angeldahl in a first half dominated by the hosts. Davies, meanwhile, belied her age with another composed performance at the back, helping Wales weather the storm.

Esther Morgan offered an outlet on the attack, while Carrie Jones occasionally breached the Swedish defence. However, Wales struggled to carve out clear cut opportunities and although Sweden controlled possession, the Welsh defence held firm to keep the score level at the break.

The second half saw Sweden’s pressure intensify. The partnership of Stina Blackstenius and Kaneryd troubled Wales, and Angeldahl tested Middleton-Patel with a long range effort, only for the keeper to stand tall once more. The breakthrough came on the hour mark when Magdalena Eriksson rose highest to head in from a corner, rewarding Sweden’s sustained spell of dominance.

Wales, however, responded swiftly. Ten minutes later, Rachel Rowe split the Swedish defence with a precise through ball, finding substitute Hannah Cain. Fresh off the bench, Cain rounded goalkeeper Jennifer Falk and slotted home with confidence to restore parity.

Sweden pushed hard to reclaim the lead, but Middleton-Patel remained impenetrable, thwarting their efforts with a string of outstanding stops. Wales nearly snatched victory when substitute Ffion Morgan broke free, only to be denied by Falk’s sharp reflexes. At the other end, Sweden’s Madelen Janogy sent a late header just wide, before Amanda Ilestedt drew yet another fine save from Middleton-Patel.

The final whistle signalled a hard earned point for Wales, reflecting both their resilience and growing cohesion under Wilkinson’s guidance. Sweden, eager to avoid dropping points to Wales for a second time, were left frustrated by a goalkeeper in inspired form. For Wales, this result marks another step forward as they build momentum for the upcoming EURO finals.

Sweden: Jennifer Falk, Anna Sandberg (sub Amanda Nilden 78mins), Hanna Lundkvist (sub Amanda Ilestedt 89mins), Magdalena Eriksson, Kosovare Asllani (sub Madelen Janogy 63mins), Stina Blackstenius, Nathalie Björn, Filippa Angeldahl, Fridolina Rolfö (sub Matilda Vinberg 78mins), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Hanna Bennison (sub Julia Zigotti Olme 63mins). Subs not used: Emma Holmgren, Tove Enblom, Linda Sembrant, Cornelia Kapocs, Sofia Jakobsson, Ellen Wangerheim, Hanna Wijk.  

Wales: Safia Middleton-Patel, Gemma Evans, Mayzee Davies, Rhiannon Roberts, Angharad James, Rachel Rowe (sub Charlie Estcourt 90mins), Hayley Ladd, Elise Hughes (sub Hannah Cain 63mins), Esther Morgan (sub Lily Woodham 45mins), Ella Powell (sub Josie Green 63mins), Carrie Jones (sub Ffion Morgan 74mins). Subs not used: Poppy Soper, Olivia Clark, Tianna Teisar, Mary McAteer, Josie Longhurst, Lois Joel, Alice Griffiths.