Daniel James was left visibly emotional following Wales’ European Championship qualifying defeat against Poland. The ex-Manchester United man missed the crucial spot-kick during the shootout following a goalless 120 minutes of action in Cardiff.
James was the fifth Welsh player to step up in the penalty shootout, with all nine spot-kicks before his having found the net. Unfortunately for the Leeds United winger, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was equal to the effort, confirming his nation’s passage into this summer’s European Championships in Germany, while ending hopes of qualification for Wales.
Rob Page’s side had progressed beyond Finland earlier in the week to set up a qualification showdown against Poland. Wales, who had won just one of their previous 10 encounters against Poland, failed to capitalise on their home advantage and were left rueing missed opportunities following a frustrating evening in the capital.
The hosts restricted their continental opponents to no shots on target throughout the contest, while at the opposite end Page’s men passed up several gilt-edge chances. Wales did have the ball in the back of the net just before the break too, but Ben Davies’ header was adjudged to have been offside following a tight VAR call.
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