In her latest BBC Sport column,Rhiannon Robertslooks back on Wales' nightmare journey to Montenegro -. explains why Rhian Wilkinson's squad are happy to be back home for the final game of their Women's World Cup qualifying group, against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Our journey to Montenegro was not one which will be forgotten in a hurry.
But even as we hit the storm which eventually led to our flight being diverted. I think the players were quite calm.
It was disappointing, of course, that we couldn't land in Montenegro as planned, but these things happen. The main thing was that we got down safely in Italy.
All the players got sorted with hotels which was really important because we could have a decent sleep, while the staff worked really hard through the night. got everything sorted for the next day.
Some players were in some hotels, some were in others and the staff were scattered around. The rooms were all right and we had a nice breakfast the next morning.
We were then just waiting for the call to get to the airport for the next flight,. we were lucky that could be sorted for the 20-minute hop over to Montenegro.
The weather meant we lost a day of training, matchday minus one,. we had covered quite a lot in the week.
I think it was just physically thatthe difficult journeyhad a little bit of an impact.
When we eventually got to Montenegro, we were able to catch up with some sleep in a lovely hotel.
Wales v Czech Republic
Women's World Cup qualifying
Tuesday, 9 June at 18:00 BST
Watch live on BBC Two Wales. iPlayer from 17:45 BST; radio commentary on BBC Sounds via BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru; text commentary and match highlights on BBC Sport website and app.
A 1-1 draw obviously wasn't the result we wanted.
There's no excuses because of the travel. It was a disappointing result and it was disappointing to concede late in the game.
But we always felt this group was going to go down to the wire. we are still in the same position, with everything to play for in the last game, so we have to focus on that.
Credit to Montenegro, they were really solid and hard to break down.
We have been that team in the past – sitting deep and trying to stop our opponents.
Now we have a bit more strength. depth in our squad and we are the ones trying to break teams down.
We find that difficult at times. We knew Montenegro away would be tough – we found the same in Albania. where we did well to grind out a victory.
We had a meeting on Saturday, analysedthe Montenegro game,and picked out certain parts where we can improve for Tuesday.
Now we are looking forward to taking on the Czech Republic.
We are playing in Cardiff where we enjoy the big pitch - that suits us.
We have the quality. the athleticism to play on big pitches and we always tend to perform at home in front of the Welsh crowd.
I just think being back in our home surroundings, back in the Vale with the facilities we have, all our families are here. we have the Red Wall behind us – we enjoy all that.
Wales aim to right their wrongs against Czechs
Highlights: Wales held to draw in Montenegro
We want to finish top of the group. given that second place would make the play-offs more difficult because we'd be up against a League A team.
Having said that, finishing top is not the be all and end all.
If we end up second, we are not down. out because we have played in League A before, but having an easier run would be better for sure.
All we have to focus on for now is on delivering a performance on Tuesday.
It's going to be a huge battle. We saw earlier in the campaign that they are athletic, they are strong and they have good individuals.
We knew ourlate equaliser out therewas going to be important in terms of the group.
They had some decent chances, especially on the transitions. We have reflected on that. on Friday's game and hopefully we can solve a few problems and put things right on Tuesday.
We are well aware that we need to perform against good opponents.
But when you look at 11 v 11, I believe we are stronger than them. It is now down to us to prove it on the pitch.
**Author: Cardiff City Stadium**
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