Wales vs Poland LIVE: Euro 2024 play-off final result and reaction as Dragons defeated in penalty shootout

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The Independent

·26 March 2024

Wales vs Poland LIVE: Euro 2024 play-off final result and reaction as Dragons defeated in penalty shootout

Wales manager Page says "there's nerves" ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier against Poland

Wales failed to secure a place at Euro 2024 after losing their play-off final against Poland in a heart-breaking penalty shootout. The match remained goalless through the first 120 minutes with Wales managing to hold on through extra-time in a competitive match for the first time in their history.

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They were the better team for the majority of the evening. Kieffer Moore was a consistent threat in the air and was denied a couple of times from the goalkeeping heroics of Wojciech Szczesny. Ben Davies, expertly marking Robert Lewandowski throughout, had a goal disallowed on the stroke of half-time through a marginal offside.

Wales were unable to take advantage during the second half and the match came down to a shootout. Poland, led by Lewandowski, scored a perfect five meaning Daniel James needed to score to keep the shootout on track. He shot to Szczesny’s right and the goalkeeper leapt across to palm the ball away and send his nation into Euro 2024 this summer.

1711494640Wales manager Rob Page speaking on S4C:“It’s a cruel game, that’s what I’ve said to the players, one kick away from qualifying. It hurts. I thought we were the better team, my message to the players at half-time was we are the better team, we will win this game.“It’s so disappointing but look how far we’ve come, there’s something good happening with this group. We rallied around Daniel James, he had the bravery to take that penalty, I am so proud of that group.”On his future, he commented: “This team is going somewhere, they’re so disappointed that they haven’t qualified tonight. They’re hungry for it, there’s a lot more to come and plenty more good times ahead.”Mike Jones26 March 2024 23:10

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Poland reach Euro 2024 after defeating Wales 5-4 on penalties

Reaction from Wales captain Ben Davies who spoke Sgorio: “It’s a difficult one to take, we put everything into the game but in the end it wasn’t to be.

“I don’t know what to say, it was a good performance but in the end the result is the most important thing and that went against us tonight.

“They’re a good team, there wasn’t much between us tonight but in the end penalties it’s cruel. It’s an emotional one right now, the character shown from the players showed everyone loves playing for Wales.”

Mike Jones26 March 2024 23:00

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Poland reach Euro 2024 after defeating Wales 5-4 on penalties

Former Wales midfielder Joe Allen speaking on Sgorio: “On Dan James he’s been a crucial player for Wales over the recent years.

“He’s one of the main reasons we went to the World Cup and the Euros before that, everyone will support him and will remember what he’s done for Wales not just a penalty miss.”

Mike Jones26 March 2024 22:53

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Poland reach Euro 2024 after defeating Wales 5-4 on penalties

Wales are a team in transition after the loss of Gareth Bale due to retirement. They couldn’t call on Aaron Ramsey either and have a young squad that will learn from this defeat.

It’s a heartbreaking loss for them but they’ll come back stronger for the experience.

Mike Jones26 March 2024 22:48

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Poland reach Euro 2024 after defeating Wales 5-4 on penalties

Reaction from former Wales midfielder Joe Allen speaking on Sgorio: “Such a cruel way to end a game, so sad for Dan James.

“It’s disappointing not to go to Germany but I’m so proud of the boys in what they’ve done over the last two years. The future is a bright one for Wales, after this summer focus will turn to the World Cup campaign.”

Mike Jones26 March 2024 22:45

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