United States legend Brandi Chastain was a guest speaker at this year's FAW National Coaching Conference United States great Brandi Chastain believes Wales are capable of scaling new heights at Euro 2025 after creating history by qualifying for their first major tournament. Wales begin their campaign against the Netherlands in Switzerland on Saturday. With France and reigning champions England also in a formidable-looking Group D, Opta give Wales â the tournament's lowest-ranked side âjust a 9% chance of reaching the knockout stages. And although Wales have never beaten a side ranked in the world's top 10, two-time World Cup winner and double Olympic champion Chastain thinks Rhian Wilkinson's side could confound those who are doubting their chances of success. "I don't know if people understand the gravity of what Rhian has done, to achieve such success in a short time," Chastain told BBC Sport Wales. "To do something for the first time, that is history, but the weight of what that means for every single generation that will come after ripples out, and it touches so many people's lives. "So it's remarkable what Rhian's done, but it's not done. "That's the beauty of football, and that's the beauty of watching her do her work, that we have the next match." Brandi Chastain shot to global stardom with her 1999 World Cup-winning penalty and celebration Chastain is a giant of women's football, having earned 192 caps for the USA over the course of a stellar international career which ran from 1988 to 2004. She is probably best known for scoring the winning penalty in the 1999 World Cup final shootout, and for her memorable celebration in which she removed her shirt and exposed her sports bra, an image which has since earned iconic status. Chastain was with Wilkinson in Newport in May, when the Wales head coach was among those studying for the Uefa Pro Licence coaching qualification with the Football Association of Wales (FAW). Wilkinson has made a huge impression since her appointment in February 2024, with the highlight being qualification for Wales' first major tournament. The Canadian has used the imagery of mountains as inspiration for her team, likening their journey to the climb to a summit. Wales' squad announcement for the Euros was staged on top of Yr Wyddfa, the tallest mountain in Wales, and Chastain believes the team can continue on their upward trajectory in Switzerland. "Rhian put in front of her team a mountain and explained how we're going to climb that mountain and what it takes to climb the mountain, and I love her approach," Chastain added. "The Welsh women's national team needs the support of the whole country. They need to believe that this team not only is credible but that they represent them. "So these players need to know that they have supporters behind them who care about them, and will cheer for them wholeheartedly and give them the belief and the support that they need to go on to do great things. "They've only achieved the first thing that they want to do, which was to qualify, and now they need the support to go forward."
Chastain backs Wales to make mark at Euro 2025
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Brandi Chastain Encourages Welsh Team Ahead of Euro 2025"
Bbc News
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Brandi Chastain, the celebrated former United States women's soccer player, expressed her strong belief in the potential of the Welsh national team as they prepare for Euro 2025. Speaking at the FAW National Coaching Conference, she highlighted the significance of Wales qualifying for their first major tournament, emphasizing the historical achievement and the impact it has on future generations. Chastain acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly as Wales faces tough opponents such as the Netherlands, France, and reigning champions England in Group D. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the tournament with only a 9% chance of advancing past the group stage, she remains optimistic about the team’s ability to defy expectations. She praised head coach Rhian Wilkinson for her exceptional work and the progress made in a short time, noting that the journey has only just begun and that the next match is crucial for the team's aspirations.
Chastain, known for her iconic role in women's soccer and her historic World Cup penalty, also underscored the importance of national support for the Welsh team. She believes that the players must feel the backing of their country as they embark on this journey. Wilkinson has utilized the metaphor of climbing a mountain to inspire her team, symbolizing the challenges they face and the determination required to succeed. Chastain resonated with this imagery, stating that the team's ascent is a collective effort that requires belief and support from fans. She called upon the Welsh public to rally behind their team, reinforcing the idea that the players represent not just themselves but the hopes and aspirations of their nation. As Wales steps onto the field in Switzerland, Chastain's encouragement serves as a reminder of the significance of their accomplishments thus far and the potential for future success on the international stage.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.