Jess Fishlock: Wales in first finals ‘proudest moment’ for veteran
Wales manager Ryan Wilkinson said the achievement would “change everything for Welsh football”.
“This team found a way. They never fought with each other, they stayed strong. I’ve never been prouder of a team,” she said.
“This is a special team. My staff is on another level, this team, how they don’t give up… They never do things the easy way.
“This team stands on the shoulders of the giants that came before them and now they have proven how good they are.
“They’re better than they think they are, they just have to see it, live it, experience it.
“Those boys and girls coming back home are seeing a generation of football that will change everything.”
Wales striker Kane, who has now recovered from two knee operations after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament, admitted she struggled to control her emotions.
“Honestly, I have nothing to say. Nothing can compare to this feeling,” she said.
“You can see how much it means to everyone. I cried when I scored.
“It’s very exciting. I’m excited to come back and do this. I’m not going to lie, I’m nervous. But that’s what dreams are made of.”
Former Wales defender Danny Gabbidden believes qualifying for the first major tournament could be a seismic moment for Welsh sport.
Gabbidon said the impact of the win was similar to when Wales reached the European Championships in 2016, their first major final in 58 years.
“It’s amazing. It takes me back to 2016 when the lads did that,” he added.
“It’s the same feeling.
“We’ve had a lot of disappointments so we can go into the draw and for little old Wales… we’re going to show Wales.”
