Hughes focused on Albania before World Cup dream — SkimNews
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- Wales hold a slender 1-0 advantage over Albania heading into Tuesday's return leg in Llanelli, after edging the first leg in Shkoder.
- Elise Hughes told BBC Sport Wales that a draw would be enough to send Wales through to the next stage of qualifying for next summer's tournament in Brazil.
- Rhian Wilkinson's side will face either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in December if they advance past Albania.
- Even if Wales win that December play-off final, they could still face a potential inter-confederation play-off in February to reach the World Cup.
- Head coach Wilkinson acknowledged her side will need to improve in Llanelli after what Hughes described as an unconvincing first-leg display.
- Hughes conceded Wales "let them into the game" but insisted focus and getting the result is all that matters heading into the return fixture.
- Hughes described the World Cup as the pinnacle of every grassroots player's childhood dream, calling the current squad's chance "the most important thing for the group here and now."
Why it matters: Wales are 90 minutes from the next World Cup qualifying stage — a draw at home in Llanelli on Tuesday sends them to a December play-off final against Norway or Romania, and even that final could require a further February inter-confederation tie. Head coach Wilkinson has publicly conceded her side must sharpen up after an unconvincing 1-0 first leg in Albania.
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