**Wales Women’s Boss Rhian Wilkinson Overwhelmed by Passionate Red Wall at Euro 2025 Opener**
The Wales women’s national football team may have suffered a tough defeat in their Euro 2025 debut against the Netherlands, but the evening will be remembered for more than just the result on the pitch. With thousands of supporters marching and singing through the streets of Lucerne, it was the fervour of the Red Wall that left new manager Rhian Wilkinson feeling “intimidated and emotional” in the best possible way.
In the run-up to kick-off at Switzerland’s Allmend Stadion, the city centre was awash in a sea of red. Supporters made a jubilant procession from the official fan zone to the stadium, their boisterous anthems echoing off the city’s historic architecture. Renditions of iconic Welsh songs – including ‘Yma o Hyd’, the national anthem ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’, and the footballing favourite ‘Don’t Take Me Home’ – set an exhilarating tone for what would be a historic night.
That electric energy was not just confined to the streets. Inside Allmend Stadion, the Red Wall’s unified voice became even more potent, amplified by the stadium’s acoustics. As the Welsh squad emerged for their pre-match warm-up, they were met with a rapturous ovation. Even Wilkinson, new at the helm and a veteran of high-pressure football environments, appeared visibly moved by the scale and intensity of support.
“I got a little bit intimidated – it was quite emotional,” Wilkinson candidly admitted during her post-match press conference. She revealed she had encouraged her players to draw inspiration from the supporters, telling them, “These people have shown up to thank you for getting them here… they want to see you give it everything you have.”
And while the match itself ended 3-0 in favour of the Netherlands – with Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema netting her 100th international goal and further goals coming from Esme Brugts and Victoria Pelova – the Welsh contingent never ceased their raucous celebration. Players smiled and exchanged glances of awe at the support, relishing the spectacle of their nation’s first appearance at a major women’s football tournament.
Wilkinson did not shy away from frank post-match analysis, highlighting areas for improvement ahead of Wales’ next fixtures. “Of course, we want to push our standards and make sure to get the game a little tighter and make our moments count in these next two games,” she told journalists, reflecting on the upcoming ties with group heavyweights France and England.
Despite the loss, the emotional highlight for many came from the pride and unity expressed by the Red Wall. Wales’ supporters were commended not only by Wilkinson, but also by opponents and neutral observers alike, with many recognising the positive spirit they brought to both the city and the stadium.
There was a brief moment of worry for Wales when midfielder Ceri Holland was forced off with a suspected injury during the second half. Thankfully, Wilkinson allayed fears in her post-match comments, clarifying that Holland was suffering from cramp rather than anything more serious.
As the dust settles on Wales’ Euro 2025 opener, thoughts now turn to St Gallen, where challenging group matches against France and England await. The team is under no illusions as to the scale of the task, but with the unwavering spirit of the Red Wall behind them, hope abounds.
Whatever the results to come, this summer marks a watershed moment for women’s football in Wales. Many supporters and players alike will recall this night in Lucerne not only for the team’s hard-fought effort, but for the sense of community and pride that transcended the final score.