Image source, FAWImage caption, Wales have taken seven points from their first three games in Women's World Cup qualifying
ByGareth VincentBBC Sport Wales- Published5 minutes ago
Rhian Wilkinson says Wales must "take care of our own business" before focusing on what looks set to be a key Women's World Cup qualifier against Czech Republic in June.
Wales were knocked off top spot in Group B1 by the Czechs on Tuesday despite beating Albania 4-0 in Wrexham.
But in a competition where head-to-head records will be the first tiebreaker if teams are level at the end of the group phase, it may well be that Wales' home game against the Czechs on 9 June proves decisive in the race for top spot.
Wales and the Czechs have identical records at the halfway point of the group, with Wilkinson's team slipping to second place because they have scored fewer away goals so far.
But the Wales head coach insisted after the Albania triumph that she is "not bothered" about the Czech Republic's results.
"We play them in the last game of our group stage. We know that," Wilkinson added.
"It's not about their scores, it's making sure we take care of our own business.
"When you force things, that's not how good football occurs. So we take care of our own business and [Czech Republic] will mind their own."
Having begun their campaign with a 2-2 in the Czech Republic, Wales thrashed Montenegro last month and have now eased past Albania.
They will expect further victories in the return game against the Albanians this Saturday and when they travel to Montenegro in June, four days before the Czechs come to Cardiff.
Czech Republic are in a similar position, having cruised to victories in Albania last month and at home to Montenegro on Tuesday.
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Media caption,Highlights: Wales thump Albania in Wrexham
When asked whether she expects the battle to finish first to come down to the final game, Wilkinson said: "I mean, it's how it's tracking, but equally I think Montenegro and Albania will want to have something to say about that.
"So we take care of the game in front of us and they take care of theirs and then you'll see where we end up in the last game of the group stage."
While there is no automatic qualification route available to Wales because they are in League B, finishing top is important because it will mean a favourable path in the play-offs later this year.
Wales have made a positive start to their bid to reach a first Women's World Cup in Brazil next year, with the Albania triumph coming courtesy of two goals from Hannah Cain and further strikes from Elise Hughes and Rhiannon Roberts.
Wilkinson declared herself "really happy" with her team's performance as Wales also registered a first clean sheet in 18 games.
"I really appreciated the players' effort at keeping that consistent high level through the 90-plus minutes, always pushing, always staying focused," she said.
"[It was] a performance for a full 90 that any coach would be pleased with."
