Wales’ search for a long-awaited victory continues after their winless run stretched to 12 matches following a frustrating 1-1 draw against South Korea in Malaga. Despite creating several clear opportunities and taking an early lead, Rhian Wilkinson’s side once again lacked the finishing touch needed to secure the result their performance deserved.
Wales Start Strong But Fail to Capitalise
Wales looked set to finally break their poor run when captain Sophie Ingle powered in a close-range header after just six minutes, converting a Lily Woodham corner that goalkeeper Kim Min-jeong struggled to deal with. The early goal gave Wales confidence, and for much of the first hour they looked the sharper and more organised team.
Wilkinson made seven changes from the lineup that lost to Poland, opting for a stronger, more experienced starting XI. The improvement was immediate. Wales moved the ball with purpose, pressed effectively, and repeatedly carved out promising chances.
Yet their biggest failing was their inability to extend the lead. Ingle came close again with another header, Hannah Cain fired a volley narrowly wide, and both Mared Griffiths and Carrie Jones tested the Korean defence with long-range efforts.
At the other end, Wales limited South Korea to just one major first-half threat, with Gemma Evans producing an outstanding recovery tackle to deny former Chelsea midfielder Ji So-yun on the break.
“We created enough to win two games, but you have to put the chances away,” one Wales staff member was overheard saying after the match.
Momentum Slips as South Korea Fight Back
Wales began the second half brightly too, with substitute Elise Hughes smashing a powerful shot against the post and Jones dragging another golden chance wide. But as the match wore on, Wales lost rhythm and control, allowing South Korea to grow into the game.
Their pressure eventually paid off midway through the second half. A well-worked short corner ended with Jang Sel-gi delivering a pinpoint cross, which substitute Kim Min-ji headed past the helpless Olivia Clark to level the score.
The equaliser left Wales frustrated — not only because they had dominated large spells of the match, but because it extended a run that now marks their longest winless period since the 15-game drought between 1997 and 2001.
Still, the draw did end a sequence of seven straight defeats, and came against a team ranked 21st in the world, 11 places above Wales in FIFA’s standings.
“There are positives, but we know draws aren’t enough — the goals have to come,” Wilkinson admitted post-match.
Building Towards World Cup Qualifying
Wilkinson has consistently maintained that results are not the primary focus until Wales enter competitive action again in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers next March. However, the form guide remains worrying, especially after the retirement of long-time talisman Jess Fishlock.
A morale-boosting win over higher-ranked opposition would have been timely for a transitioning Wales side, but instead they settled for a solid yet unsatisfying point — their first avoiding defeat since drawing with Sweden in April.
Wales now have one final chance to end the year on a high: a friendly against Switzerland in Jerez on Tuesday. There is hope that Australia-born midfielder Laura Hughes, who is awaiting final confirmation of her switch of allegiance, may finally be available for selection.
Her arrival would provide an additional spark in midfield and could be important as Wales continue searching for momentum going into a crucial 2026.
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