WALES Women were agonisingly close to snatching a point at group leaders France in their World Cup qualifying clash in Guingamp on Tuesday night.
Gemma Grainger’s side were beaten 2-0 despite a committed defensive performance.
Kadidiatou Diani put the French ahead in added time in the first half after Wales were caught on the counter-attack, slotting after a rapid burst by Delphine Cascarino.
Kayleigh Green was sent off for a second yellow card after 69 minutes but the 10 women still came close to stunning the group favourites at the death.
Jess Fishlock was denied from close range and then, from the resulting long throw, smashed the ball against the left post.
France hit Wales on the counter to double their lead
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 30, 2021
France 2-0 Wales ⚽
📺 BBC Two Wales
📻 @BBCRadioWales FM/DAB (Ex North Wales)
📱 https://t.co/AH6SrWwXwW pic.twitter.com/6fx13GDsnn
The ball stayed in play and Selma Bacha scored on the break for France with a stunning long-range shot.
Nonetheless, it was an encouraging performance against a side ranked fifth in the world and Wales got good news in their bid for securing runners-up spot and a play-off.
They have a two-point lead over Slovenia after they were held to a goalless draw by Greece, who were hammered 5-0 in Llanelli on Friday night.
"I think it has to be considered one of the best performances we have produced since I have been in charge, when you consider the level of opponent we were up against,” Grainger said to BBC Wales.
"I am disappointed to lose, but we nearly equalised with 10 players, against France, so while I am disappointed, I am proud. It shows where we are in terms of our progress.
"To come here and perform and almost get a result, that's where we feel disappointed, but I know we will look back and feel proud of the way we played.”
Wales host France on Friday, April 8 before heading to Kazakhstan the following Tuesday.
In September they head to Greece and entertain Slovenia.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here