Women's Euro 2025 qualifying round-up: Wales make winning start as Scotland and Northern Ireland earn draws
Wales marked Rhian Wilkinson’s first game in charge by opening their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign in style against Croatia.
Jess Fishlock bagged a brace to move within two of Helen Ward's record 44-goal tally before Rachel Rowe and Angharad James added gloss to a comfortable 4-0 victory.
Wales had not played at Wrexham's Stok Racecourse since March 2020 and new boss Wilkinson, the former Canada defender and England and Team GB assistant coach, was determined to make a winning start.
Wales made the perfect start after four minutes as Rowe slipped in Fishlock, who punished untidy defending with a cool sidefoot finish.
It was Fishlock's 41st Wales goal and drew her level with Gareth Bale's international tally - but the 37-year-old would move beyond that mark four minutes into the second period.
Fishlock grabbed her second after controlling Gemma Evans' pass on her chest and lifting the ball over Doris Bacic.
Rowe slotted the ball home two minutes later after James won possession and Fishlock had set her up with an intelligent square pass.
Evans claimed a second assist with another pinpoint diagonal pass as James slid in to score from a difficult angle.
Wales' next qualifier on Tuesday is away to Kosovo, who were beaten 2-0 by Ukraine in their opening tie on Friday.
Scotland picked up a point in their opening European Championship qualification match with a goalless draw against Serbia.
Scotland had the better chances in the first half through Erin Cuthbert and Lisa Evans, but the hosts threatened after the break, with Jovana Damnjanovic having their best effort.
Scotland were handed an early blow when goalkeeper Sandy MacIver went down after catching a free-kick and despite trying to play on, she was substituted off in the ninth
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