From Five Fans to a Thriving Crowd: Celebrating Wales Women’s Inspiring Euro 2021 Journey

Lucerne was a stunning backdrop for the Wales Women’s team as they kicked off their first major tournament match. This city, nestled under the towering Mount Pilatus, held special memories of victory—much like the remarkable journey of the men’s team in Euro 2016, when they reached the semi-finals.

However, the road ahead is tough for Wales. They find themselves in one of the most challenging groups at Euro 2025, facing strong opponents like the Netherlands and England, both past champions. France, another formidable competitor, was a semi-finalist in Euro 2022. Wales is ranked 30th among the 16 teams in the tournament, the lowest of all. They’ve been assigned just a 0.2% chance of winning, according to Opta.

Despite these challenges, hope remains alive in the hearts of the players and fans. The women’s team has faced significant hurdles over the years. They battled against a 50-year ban on women’s football and fought for recognition and resources amid a rich football culture next door.

Wales fans gathered in Lucerne, mixing their vibrant red with the orange and gold of Dutch supporters—a symbol of unity and passion. There were around 4,000 Welsh fans present, singing the national anthem with pride, attracting attention from locals and even drawing players out of their buses.

Unfortunately, the match didn’t go as Wales had hoped. They faced a powerful Dutch team, featuring stars like Vivianne Miedema, who scored her 100th international goal during the match. Other critical goals from players such as Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts emphasized the gap between the teams. Wales struggled with their defense and learned valuable lessons about playing at this level. Post-match, Wales full-back Lily Woodham humorously noted that they needed to “run a lot” to keep up.

Despite the loss, the atmosphere was electric. Fans reminisced about their journey and celebrated the steps taken so far. Recent statistics highlighted this growth, as women’s football attendance surged; the FAW reported over 16,800 fans attending a Euro 2025 playoff in December. This momentum offers hope for the future of women’s football in Wales.

Historically, the Netherlands had their struggles too. They didn’t qualify for major tournaments until 2009 and made a World Cup appearance only in 2015. Their recent successes have come after years of hard work and commitment to developing women’s football, showing that progress is possible.

In the end, the Wales Women’s team remains on a journey. Their match in Lucerne was just one step, but it’s a testament to their resilience and the support they’ve garnered. As they continue to grow, the hope and determination of both players and fans will undoubtedly drive them forward in the world of women’s football.

For more on the evolution of women’s sports and its recognition, consider checking resources from BBC Sport or explore history via the FAW.

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Wales, Women's Euros, Women's Soccer