Page rues ‘cruel’ exit as Poles book World Cup spot
CARDIFF, United Kingdom — Wales manager Rob Page said missing out on Euro 2024 was “cruel” on his players after Poland edged a penalty shootout 5-4 to qualify in Cardiff on Tuesday.
After the sides could not be separated in a tense 0-0 draw, Leeds winger Dan James was the only player to fail to score in the shootout.
Poland’s five perfect spot-kicks earned it a place alongside France, the Netherlands and Austria in a tough Group D at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
“We created a good, emotional game. This is a very important day for us,” said Poland coach Michal Probierz.
Wales’ new generation, shorn of the inspirational presence of the retired Gareth Bale, came up short by the finest of margins in heartbreaking fashion for the home fans and their manager at the Cardiff City Stadium.
“It’s a cruel game, that’s what I’ve said to the players, one kick away from qualifying. It hurts,” said Page.
“We’ll be bigger and stronger for having gone through this horrible experience. This group is going somewhere. There is a lot more to come, there are good times ahead.”
Despite possessing the threat of Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski up front, Poland failed to register a shot on target in the 120 minutes.
However, the visitor found its range from the spot as Lewandowski, Sebastian Szymanski, Przemyslaw Frankowski, Nicola Zalewski and Krzysztof Piatek confidently fired home.
James had to score to keep his country in it, but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny dived low to his right to send Poland to a fifth consecutive Euros.
Only once before has it managed to get out of the group stage of the European Championship, reaching the quarterfinals in 2016.