Wales beaten by Australia in Jess Fishlock’s final international appearance
Jess Fishlock’s final game for Wales ended in defeat after they were beaten 2-1 in a friendly against Australia.
The 38-year-old confirmed last week her 166th and final international match would be against the Matildas in Cardiff.
But she was denied a victorious send-off as Caitlin Foord scored a late winner after Wales teenager Mared Griffiths had brilliantly cancelled out Courtney Nevin’s opener.
Australia almost took the lead when Katrina Gorry’s powerful strike from outside the box rattled the crossbar before Fishlock got into a promising position at the opposite end but fired well over the crossbar.
The veteran midfielder had another great opportunity for a goalscoring farewell, but her attempt from Ceri Holland’s cross was smothered by Gorry before the visitors struck in the 28th minute when Nevin’s free-kick found the net.
Hannah Cain had two chances just before the break as Wales pushed for an equaliser and Australia goalkeeper Teagan Micah was called into action early in the second half to save Fishlock’s effort.
And the hosts levelled in the 55th minute when 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder Griffiths latched on to a loose ball and chipped into the top corner.
But Australia found the winner in the 85th minute when Kyra Cooney-Cross rolled a low pass into Arsenal team-mate Foord in the centre of the area and she fired above Safia Middleton-Patel.
Jess Fishlock’s emotional farewell
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Yet another failure in the overall Welsh sport’s catalogue of defeats. Why are we so useless in almost every sport? What’s going on? Why are other countries so much better? Supporters deserve a huge improvement. The only answer is for fans to keep their money in their pockets and stay away from games until this current bunch of highly-paid losers show a massive improvement and a little respect for their loyal fans. They are currently embarrassing Cymru …… a lot!!