CARRIE Jones was player of the match as Wales made history in front of more than 12,000 fans in Cardiff tonight.
The Newtown raised Manchester United star was among the chief threats as Wales played out a goalless draw against Slovenia to secure a World Cup play-off spot.
The on loan Leicester City star went into the biggest game in Welsh women's football history with confidence soaring after netting her first international goal in Friday's 1-0 win in Greece.
The victory ensured Wales went into tonight's group finale needing just a point to secure second spot at the expense of third placed Slovenia who required all three points.
Carrie Jones during 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier between Wales and Slovenia at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, UK. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW).
A cagey opening saw the Slovenians bid to impose themselves on the game and the home side survived a let off after 12 minutes when a poor crossfield pass from Rachel Rowe was picked off by Mateja Zver who forced Laura O'Sullivan into action.
Wales struggled to get playmaker Jones into action until the 26th minute when Ceri Holland and Sophie Ingle combined to feed Jones who cut in from the left but saw her shot saved.
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Four minutes later Kayleigh Green's right wing cross was volleyed wide by Sophie Ingle as Wales began to enjoy possession.
Yet Wales had another nervous moment soon after with Spela Kolbl firing just over.
Once again Jones showed her threat before the break with a dangerous low cross from the left narrowly failing to be met by Green as the half ended goalless.
Carrie Jones during 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier between Wales and Slovenia at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, UK. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW).
Wales began the second-half brightly with Angharad James twice denied by Slovenia keeper Zala Mersnik in as many minutes.
Moments later Jones once again tried her luck only to narrowly fire wide from the edge of the area as Wales continued to press.
By now Jones had emerged the player to watch and the one the Slovenians most feared and the 19 year old warmed the palms of Mersnik from 20 yards with 20 minutes remaining.
However the match remained goalless and Slovenia remained in the game as tensions rose.
Gemma Evans spurned a gilt edged chance to break the deadlock for Wales while Mateja Zver curled wide for the visitors.
A tense closing 10 minutes saw players from both sides cautioned as neither side gave a quarter but it was Wales who held firm to seal a place in Friday's play offs.
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