Former World Cup and Olympic Gold Medal Winner Backs Wales to Perform at Euro 2025
The Wales women’s team is looking forward to competing at its first-ever major tournament at the 2025 Euros in Switzerland, and legend of the game Brandi Chastain believes that team spirit and support from the fans could help the team surpass expectations.
Wales have been drawn in Group D alongside the Netherlands, France, and England, making their competition debut a challenging one. However, the support of Chastain will do wonders for the squad’s confidence.
Brandi Chastain retired from international duty in 2004 after making 192 appearances for the US national team. During her playing days, she was part of a US team that lifted two World Cups, scoring the winning penalty in the 1999 final against China. She also helped the team to two Olympic Gold medals before going on to coach after hanging up her boots.
Chastain gave a glowing opinion on Wales’ Canadian coach, Rhian Wilkinson, who led the team to their first major championship, and believes she can help them cause a few upsets at this year’s tournament.
Wales face an uphill battle as the lowest-ranked side in the tournament, and they have never beaten a top-10 ranked team. Sports data specialists Opta have given the Welsh team just a 9% chance of progressing from their tough group, but being underdogs will help to ease the pressure and expectation.
Bookmakers have already placed Wales as the rank outsider at 500/1, with Poland their closest rival at 400/1. Wales fans might have to explore some accumulator tips to find realistic betting opportunities with good value.
Since 2020, Wales have played other Euro 2025 finalists a total of 22 times, drawing 8, losing 13, and winning just once. Being drawn against neighbours and defending champions, England, as well as two other strong sides in France and the Netherlands, might seem like the toughest draw imaginable, but the team will be able to play with greater freedom as they are not expected to challenge.
Striker Elise Hughes says the team is happy to embrace their title of underdogs, while midfielder Rachel Rowe explains that the team is determined to give their all and leave the pitch with their heads held high.
One player who will be instrumental to Wales’ chances is Jess Fishlock. The veteran midfielder will be making her last international tournament appearance, but at 38, she still has something to give.
Fishlock is the undisputed Queen of Welsh football, holding the record for the most caps at 162 and the most goals at 47. A serial winner during her club career, Fishlock has a number of league championships under her belt and has even won the Champions League with Lyon and Frankfurt. This experience will play a massive part on and off the pitch for a team with no experience at major international tournaments.
Getting to the tournament will be a massive boost for Welsh football, but Wilkinson, Fishlock, and the rest of the squad will be keen to put up a good fight when they are there.
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