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

Wales 0-0 Poland (4-5 after penalties): Rob Page’s men fail to reach Euro 2024 after penalty heartbreak

Michael Jones
Tuesday 26 March 2024 23:21 GMT
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Wales manager Page says "there's nerves" ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier against Poland

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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.

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.

Relive the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for the match right here:

Wales vs Poland prediction

Wales should edge out Poland in a tense and thrilling encounter to secure their place at Euro 2024, expect goals, tears and drama from Cardiff tonight.

Wales 2-1 Poland.

Mike Jones26 March 2024 15:48

Wales vs Poland team news and predicted line-ups

Wales are not thought to have any fresh fitness concerns after their convincing win over Finland, and could well stick with a similar side. Aaron Ramsey is unlikely to be promoted to the starting side after a recent return from injury.

Conversely, Poland saw both Przemyslaw Frankowski and Matty Cash go off with injuries during their victory against Estonia. Cash has been ruled out of the play-off final and Bartosz Bereszynski may be forced to deputise on the right flank.

Predicted line-ups

Wales XI: Ward; Davies, Mepham, Rodon; Roberts, Ampadu, J. James, Williams; Brooks, Wilson; Johnson.

Poland XI: Szczesny; Kiwior, Bednarek, Dawidowicz; Bereszynski, Zielinski, Slisz, Piotrowski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Lewandowski.

Mike Jones26 March 2024 15:36

How to watch Wales vs Poland

Wales vs Poland is due to kick off at 7.45pm GMT on Tuesday 26 March at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Viaplay Sports 2, with coverage from 7.35pm GMT, or via Welsh-language channel S4C from 7.20pm. A livestream will be available on the Viaplay Sports website and on the BBC iPlayer.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Mike Jones26 March 2024 15:24

Good evening!

Welcome one and all to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifier final as Wales look to take the last step on thei journey to this summer’s European Championship tournament.

Having come through the semi-finals with a convincing 4-1 victory over Finland, Rob Page’s men now face the difficult task of defeating Poland in this play-off final.

They are boosted by having home advantage and the Red Wall of Welsh fans will bring an electric atmosphere to the Cardiff City Stadium which should spur on the home side.

This is an all or nothing encounter. Win and there is a place at the Euros waiting, lose and Wales will be out of the tournament before it even begins.

There’s pressure on manager Rob Page who’s team are expected to triumph this evening. Anything less and the boss will potentially lose his job. Can Wales perform in this crucial match with the spotlight on them and reach Euro 2024?

We’ll have all the updates, team news and line-ups throughout the evening so stick around as we build up to kick off at 7.45pm.

Mike Jones26 March 2024 14:48

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