Cymru’s aspirations for Euro 2024 met a heartbreaking conclusion as they succumbed to a penalty shootout loss against Poland in their play-off final at Cardiff City Stadium.
In a match characterised by tense stalemate, neither team managed to break the deadlock during the nerve-wracking 90 minutes. Ben Davies’ disallowed goal for offside just before halftime added to the frustration.
Extra time brought little relief as Jakub Piotrowski’s near miss epitomised the slim margins of the game. Chris Mepham’s late expulsion only added to the tension, leading the contest to penalties.
Despite a valiant effort and flawless penalties until the crucial moment, Daniel James’ miss sealed Cymru’s fate, shattering their dreams of advancing to the summer’s final in a cruel twist of fate.
The defeat not only dashes Cymru’s hopes of a fourth major finals appearance in five attempts but also raises questions about the future of manager Rob Page. This loss follows a disappointing qualifying campaign, reigniting concerns lingering from a turbulent international camp last summer.
Though there was optimism heading into the match, reminiscent of their semi-final victory over Finland, nerves gripped the capital throughout the day, with no respite from the tense atmosphere.
Both teams struggled to create clear opportunities, with chances at a premium. Despite occasional sparks of promise, Cymru couldn’t break Poland’s dominance, extending their winless streak in this fixture.
While Cymru seemed to gain momentum towards the end of regular time, their efforts were thwarted by an outstanding save from Wojciech Szczesny. The subsequent extra time failed to produce a breakthrough, culminating in Mepham’s expulsion and the dreaded penalty shootout.
Penalties…
Poland, with captain Robert Lewandowski stepped up to score the first penalty after a confident shimmy to send Danny Ward the wrong way, failed to produce a shot on target until then while Wales had four.
Davies calmly levelled the score at 1-1 in the shootout, Sebastian Szymanski kept Poland ahead and Moore made it 2-2 with a shot that bounced in off the bar.
Poland’s Przemyslaw Frankowski fired into the top corner and Wales’ Harry Wilson shot bravely down the middle, with Nicola Zalewski taking the score to 4-3 for the visitors before Neco Williams again equalised for the Welsh.
Pole Krzysztof Piatek then scored a fifth, leaving Leeds United forward James the task of extending the shootout to sudden death, but Szczesny dived the right way leaving his team to sing joyously with the delirious travelling fans.
Lineups Cymru: Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts (Brooks 84 (Broadhead 112)), J.James, Ampadu, Williams; Wilson, Moore, Johnson (D.James 70)
Poland: Szczesny; Bednarek (Piatek 80), Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Frankowski, Piotrowski (Romanchuk 115), Slisz, Zielinski (S.Szymanski 101), Zalewski; Swiderski (Salamon 80), Lewandowski
