Dragon force

Former Wales striker and BBC expert Helen Ward expects the underdogs to put up a fight in their first major tournament

- Helen Ward

Wales made history by qualifying for their first major tournament when they defeated the Republic of Ireland in a tense play-off second leg on a cold night in Dublin last December.

It was a moment that wiped away decades of heartbreak for the nation, and former striker Helen Ward couldn't be happier to see coach Rhian Wilkinson's team finally arrive on the big stage.

'It feels like a pivotal moment, Not just for Welsh women's football, but in Welsh women's sport,' says Ward, who'll be covering the Dragons' games for the BBC. 'We've been on the brink of it for a number of years and I certainly had my fair share of heartache when I was playing.'

Ward believes the current team's unshakable belief in their own abilities sets them apart from previous generations that have fallen agonisingly short.

'You felt that once this team got to the play-offs, nothing was going to stand in their way,' says the 39-year-old, who won 105 caps. 'It reminds me of the men's side who did so well at Euro 2016, and the excitement has been building ever since we qualified.'