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Jess Fishlock’s final Wales appearance ends in defeat to Australia

Wales 1-2 Australia: Fishlock’s 166th and final international ended in defeat for Wales

Jess Fishlock bid farewell to international football
Jess Fishlock bid farewell to international football (Nigel French/PA Wire)

Jess Fishlock's final game for Wales ended in defeat after they were beaten 2-1 in a friendly against Australia.

The 38-year-old confirmed last week her 166th and final international match would be against the Matildas in Cardiff.

But she was denied a victorious send-off as Caitlin Foord scored a late winner after Wales teenager Mared Griffiths had brilliantly cancelled out Courtney Nevin's opener.

Australia almost took the lead when Katrina Gorry's powerful strike from outside the box rattled the crossbar before Fishlock got into a promising position at the opposite end but fired well over the crossbar.

The veteran midfielder had another great opportunity for a goalscoring farewell, but her attempt from Ceri Holland's cross was smothered by Gorry before the visitors struck in the 28th minute when Nevin's free-kick found the net.

Hannah Cain had two chances just before the break as Wales pushed for an equaliser and Australia goalkeeper Teagan Micah was called into action early in the second half to save Fishlock's effort.

And the hosts levelled in the 55th minute when 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder Griffiths latched on to a loose ball and chipped into the top corner.

But Australia found the winner in the 85th minute when Kyra Cooney-Cross rolled a low pass into Arsenal team-mate Foord in the centre of the area and she fired above Safia Middleton-Patel.

PA

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