Wales focus on Albania as Grainger reunion looms

Wales are unbeaten in their past eight internationals [FAW] Wales resume their bid to reach a first Women's World Cup this week knowing former boss Gemma Grainger may eventually stand between them and a place in Brazil next summer. Grainger came closer than any of her predecessors to ending Wales' wait for a World Cup appearance in qualifying for the 2023 tournament. Yet as they head into the play-offs for the 2027 World Cup, Wales' players are aware that something special is likely to be required against Grainger's Norway side if they are to achieve their dream this time around. Rhian Wilkinson's team take on Albania in their play-off semi-final, with the first leg in Shkoder on Friday before the return in Llanelli four days later. Norway, who are serial major tournament qualifiers, will be firm favourites to beat Romania in their play-off semi-final. Should Grainger's Norway side and Wales progress, the Englishwoman will be reunited with her former team in December's two-legged play-off final. "It's a really exciting draw. I think she has done a very good job [with Norway]," says Wales midfielder Ceri Holland. "Obviously we have got to get through the Albania tie first. Then we can look ahead." 'She did some great things for Welsh football' The prospect of a reunion with Grainger, almost three years after she walked away from the Wales job, is an intriguing one. Appointed manager in 2021, Grainger's remit was to end Wales' wait for a major championship appearance, and she came close to doing exactly that when her team were beaten by a late Switzerland goal in their World Cup play-off final in 2022. Grainger signed a new long-term a Wales deal in 2023, yet she stood down in January 2024 to take charge of Norway. "She was a great person for us," says Wales defender Lily Woodham. "We had her for a long time, we developed as a nation through her and learned different things." Gemma Grainger (left) called Ceri Holland (right) into her first Wales squad in 2021 [FAW] Grainger faced some criticism following Wales' relegation from the top tier of the Nations League A in 2023. Nevertheless, her time in charge was generally regarded as a success, with Wales going close to the World Cup while attracting more fans to their games than ever before. Among the players introduced during the Grainger era was Holland, a former youth international who received a first senior call five and a half years ago. "She had a big influence for me at the start of my international career and I am always thankful for that," Holland says. "I think she did some great things for Welsh football. We'll always thank her for that." Improvement away is Wales' first task More than 50 caps later, Holland is now one of Wales' key players, and will be missed in the Albania games having been left out of the squad due to injury. Wales will hope they have enough quality to cope with Holland's absence as they take on opponents ranked 67th in the world, 36 places below them. Holland was also absent through injury when Wales faced the Albanians twice during the group phase of World Cup qualifying in April. Wales were comprehensive victors in the first of those games, a 4-0 triumph in Wrexham, before scrapping to a 1-0 away triumph four days later. "We have played them and done well and not so well, but we have beaten them," says Woodham, who started both Albania victories. "They are a really tough opponent, so we are going to have to work really hard to get through that first stage." Delivering a convincing away performance is the first task for Wales after they failed to convince on their travels in the group. While they were convincing winners at home against Albania, Montenegro (6-1) and - in the decisive final game - the Czech Republic (3-1), Wales could only draw in Montenegro having salvaged a point against the Czechs in Uherske Hradiste in March. "It is hard going away and the travel does have some sort of impact," reckons Woodham. "We have looked at those [away games], reviewed them and hopefully this time we get it right." Aiming to break more new ground Lily Woodham scored as Wales beat the Czech Republic in June to seal top spot in their World Cup qualifying group [FAW] If they avoid a shock exit against Albania, Wales will be the ones trying to spring a surprise against Norway, who are 14th in the Fifa rankings and reached the last 16 at the most recent World Cup. Wales have never previously beaten a team in the world's top 20 in a competitive fixture. Then again, Wales have made a habit of breaking new ground in recent years. Woodham, who reached 50 caps in the Czech Republic win in June, insists there is "no doubt within the group" that Wales have the potential to topple Norway should the opportunity come later this year. Even if they do come through both play-off rounds, Wales may still have work to do to guarantee their World Cup place given the complex nature of qualifying. The lowest-ranked of the eight play-off winners in Europe will go into the inter-confederation play-offs early next year, and - should they get that far - there is a chance that would be Wales. Wilkinson's Wales give themselves World Cup chance Having said that, if they do end up in the inter-confederation games, Wilkinson's side are likely to be well placed to progress. While they missed out on the World Cup last time around, Wales have proved they can deliver in pivotal knockout fixtures having come through the play-offs to reach Euro 2025, the first major championship in the nation's history. Wilkinson's players had a hard time at the tournament, exiting at the group stage after defeats to the Netherlands, France and England. However, there is a feeling that making it to a second major competition will be slightly easier than breaking through to reach a first. "We are really looking forward to hopefully qualifying for the World Cup because I think we have got the weight off our back by qualifying [for the Euros]," Holland says. "It's exciting. I know all the girls are looking forward to it."