International Recap: Jess Fishlock Bags a Brace for Wales
Wales vs. Scotland
Wales kicked off its Pinatar Cup run with a bang, defeating Scotland 3-1 to book a ticket to the Pinatar Cup semifinals. This was Wales’s first win against Scotland since 1996.
In the first half, the match was back and forth. The teams battled for dominance in the game with few chances on goal. Wales was forced to make an early substitution in the 15th minute, as defender Hayley Ladd suffered an injury. The team handled the change well and continued to battle with Scotland.
As the first half was nearing its end and stoppage time began, the game came to life. Scotland struck first when forward Lana Clelland directed a header into the back of the net. However, Wales responded instantly, pushing into Scotland’s half of the field. Forward Kayleigh Green dribbled through Scotland’s defense and was ultimately chopped down in the box, resulting in a Cymru penalty kick. OL Reign’s very own Jess Fishlock stepped up to take the kick and coolly converted to tie the match up before halftime.
After the break, Wales came out on the front foot. Two halftime substitutions provided the team with added energy needed to apply heavy pressure to Scotland. Forward Tash Harding pushed forward to win possession of the ball in Scotland’s box. She displayed her technical abilities with a cheeky back heel pass to Fishlock in the box. Fishlock made no mistakes as she struck the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Less than ten minutes later, Wales extended its lead to 3-1. Green was involved once again, using her quickness to get a ball into Harding, who scored at the near post. Fishlock continued to shine, nearly earning a hattrick, but the score held at 3-1 until the final whistle.
With this win, Wales will square off against Belgium, who defeated Slovakia 4-0 in its quarterfinal match this morning. The match is slated for Saturday, February 19 at 11:30 a.m. PT.
Brazil vs. Netherlands
Brazil drew 1-1 against the Netherlands in its first Turnoi de France match. OL Reign midfielder Angelina did not make an appearance for the team in this match.
The match remained scoreless throughout the first half. The Netherlands got the better of Brazil during the game, earning 58% of possession and taking 13 shots compared to Brazil’s 11 shots. The Netherlands found a breakthrough goal in the 62nd minute, when midfielder Sherida Spitse played forward Lineth Beerensteyn a ball in behind. Beerensteyn then put the ball past Brazil’s goalkeeper to take the lead.
The Netherlands thought they had secured the victory when Brazil found a chance to level the score. Defender Merel van Dongen was whistled for a handball in the box and Brazil was awarded a penalty kick. Van Dongen was issued a yellow card and Marta stepped up to the spot to take the kick.
The Brazilian legend easily converted the kick in the 87th minute to tie up the match. Before the game ended, van Dongen was issued her second yellow card. Neither team found a game winner, so the game finished deadlocked at one goal apiece.
Next International Action for OL Reign Players:
Thursday, February 17
England vs. Canada, 11:30 a.m. PT, Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, England
Mexico vs. Suriname, 6:00 p.m. PT, Estadio Universitario in San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León
United States vs. Czech Republic, 8:00 p.m. PT, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California