It was a disappointing end to their 2013 Algarve Cup
campaign as they were trying to avenge their opening tournament defeat to the
hosts.
After winning, drawing and losing a game in the group
stages, they were drawn to play Portugal a second time in the 11th/12th
place play-off match after finishing third in Group C.
After an even first half, the second half saw attacking
intent from Wales, but they couldn’t often finish the chances they were
creating.
Substitute Sarah Wiltshire hit one shot straight at the ‘keeper,
while fellow sub Natasha Harding headed wide after a Jess Fishlock free-kick
was palmed out to her.
Fishlock did fire Wales ahead on 77 minutes, but they couldn’t
hold on, and the hosts equalised late on before triumphing on spot kicks.
Wales had used a number of under-19s stars throughout,
including handing caps to several new players.
Captain Fishlock believes the experience of tournament
football will be invaluable to the younger team members, saying: “It’s
absolutely massive for us and our preparations. We've brought a very young
squad this year.
“For the reasons we came here for, and what we wanted to do
and try and do, we've done very successfully. It’s actually put us in perfect
stead to go forward for the rest of the year [and] for our qualifiers, which
start in October.”
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