
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Hannah Cain is emerging as a key player for Wales following Jess Fishlock's retirement. With Fishlock being the all-time leading goalscorer, Cain's performance is crucial for the team's goal-scoring needs in their current qualifying campaign.
Hannah Cain made her Wales debut in 2022 having played for England at various age-grade levels [FAW]
Wales are a team in need of goals as they readjust to life after Jess Fishlock and Hannah Cain is stepping up to the plate.
Head coach Rhian Wilkinson pointed out in the wake of Fishlock's international retirement last October that there was no Wales could replace their greatest player.
Nevertheless, Wales were left with the task of filling the void left by Fishlock, the nation's all-time leading goalscorer, in their first qualifying campaign since she said farewell.
And so far at least, Cain has picked up the baton.
The Leicester City player scored twice as Wales continued their bright start to 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying with a comfortable victory over Albania in Wrexham on Tuesday night.
It was a second successive Wales double for Cain, who also scored twice in last month's demolition of Montenegro in Llanelli.
She has also contributed against higher-calibre opponents, having scored in Wales' opening game in this qualifying campaign, the 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic, as well as December's notable friendly triumph against Switzerland.
At international level, Cain is in the form of her life, having scored six goals in her past four internationals.
Prior to this sparkling run, she had five goals in her first 21 Wales games.
"I'm loving it right now," Cain said. "The way we're playing, we create chances and we're scoring goals.
"I've got to say thanks to my team-mates because they're putting them on a plate for me.
"I like getting the chances and I know if one doesn't go right I'll get another. I just need to keep working on putting them away."
It would be no surprise should Cain find the net once more when Wales go in search of another victory over Albania in the return Group B1 fixture this Saturday.
With 10 Wales goals to her name, the 27-year-old is now the leading scorer in Wilkinson's squad ahead of Sophie Ingle and Rachel Rowe, who have nine international goals apiece.
Cain's hot streak has come despite some struggles at club level this season, where she is yet to score in 21 appearances for a Leicester side who are propping up the Women's Super League table.
Wilkinson believes Cain's Wales form is thanks in part to her "fantastic partnerships" and "friendship groups" in her team.
"I think they know how she wants to be played in," Wilkinson said.
"You can see there are a number of assists from different people.
"They are giving it to her how she wants to receive it and that's exactly what you want as a [number] nine, to make sure you are getting the ball in areas you know you can score in and she is doing that."
Elise Hughes started up front alongside Cain and also scored, making it two goals in this campaign for the Crystal Palace striker.
And there was a first glimpse of another Welsh forward as Phoebie Poole, the 21-year-old Plymouth Argyle player, came off the bench to make her senior debut against Albania.
Teenager Mared Griffiths, who started behind Cain and Hughes, continues to impress in a Wales shirt, with Wilkinson excited by the attacking options at her disposal.
"We have been working for the last two-and-a-bit years on our depth and our ability to change structure and give different pictures for the opposition," she said.
"I am really pleased with where we are at."
Hannah Cain is a forward for the Wales national team, stepping up to fill the goal-scoring void left by the retired Jess Fishlock.
Jess Fishlock's retirement left a significant gap in the team as she was the all-time leading goalscorer, prompting the need for other players like Hannah Cain to step up.
Hannah Cain made her debut for the Wales national team in 2022.
The team is struggling to find goals and adjust to life without their star player, Jess Fishlock, in their first qualifying campaign since her retirement.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
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