Women's World Cup 2023 qualifier: Estonia Women 0-1 Wales

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Estonia is ranked 105th worldwide, 71 places lower than Wales

Wales won two of the two World Cup qualifying games, despite being defeated by Estonia in Parnu.

Despite Wales missing many chances, Natasha Harding's goal early on was enough to win three points.

The game was one of defense versus attack. The visitors were always on offense but could not score despite being in possession 78%.

Estonia had only one chance as Wales won the victory they needed to make their first World Cup appearance.

Wales faced an Estonian manager Jarmo Matikainen who was familiar with the situation. He made two changes to the team that had been beaten by Slovenia 4-0 in their first game of Group I.

Gemma Grainger, Wales manager, had the luxury to name an unchanged starting XI in Wales' 6-0 win over Kazakhstan. However, 4-3-3 was used as Rachel Rowe moved into defence as an attacking left back.

Matikainen was the one who produced the tactical surprise, picking two strikers. Wales then ruthlessly exploited the gaps in their defense from the beginning.

Rowe scored the goal from the side in the first 20 seconds. Estonian defender Kelly Rosen hit the crossbar to clear the corner. Rhiannon Roberts then volleyed a fantastic chance over the bar.

World Cup qualifier highlights: Estonia 0-1 Wales

Wales didn't wait for a goal opener. Harding scored with grace from close range after just five minutes. This was thanks to a Jess Fishlock defense-splitting pass.

Wales was unable to keep up the pace of creating chances every minute. However, they continued to dominate the game with Roberts and Harding both shooting from tight angles while Rowe missed a great chance by volleying from Rowe corners.

The hosts could not match Wales' dominance in set-pieces, and Gemma Evans saw her header clear the line at Wales' 10th corner on 37 minutes.

Kayleigh Green was ruled offside by Harding moments later. Ingle shot wide after Green's firm drive was saved well by Karina Kork.

The Wales captain missed their first opportunity of the second period. Ingle's shot from 18 yard was shaky and lost composure, before Green's header landed just above the upright.

Estonia's defense was strong and repelled Wales every time. The visitors couldn't find a second goal.

Fishlock and substitute Carrie Jones both had their efforts blocked. Estonia also endured many scary moments from Rowe corners (20 total) that were urgently cleared. Rowe also saw a shot parried and Jones was denied a penalty appeal for handball.

Natasha Harding was the player of the match

Natasha Harding scored in both Wales' World Cup qualifiers.

She scored the crucial goal for Wales and showed leadership by leading with her tireless displays as she offered an attacking outlet all through.

Wales manager Gemma Grainger told BBC Sport:

"We set out to win two from two and that's what we achieved.

"We wanted to create many opportunities and we achieved that.

"We would like to be more clinical but we are content if the team creates lots of opportunities.