Wales players quick to rally around a distraught James
WALES players rallied around a devastated Daniel James after the Leeds United man missed the crucial penalty in the play-off final with Poland.
Rob Page’s team were denied a place in Euro 2024 after coming second best in the penalty shoot-out at Cardiff City Stadium.
The score was locked in at 0-0 for the full 90 and after extra time, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
With Poland having scored all five of their penalties in emphatic fashion, James stepped up for Wales’ fifth and deciding spot kick.
Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny guessed correctly on James’ effort, with the former Arsenal shot-stopper diving low to the right of his goal and shattering Welsh dreams.
As Polish players flooded past James towards their heroic goalkeeper, the former Manchester United wing was left alone to collect his thoughts after a truly heartwrenching moment.
However, his team-mates were quick to console him, with Harry
Wilson the first to the scene with a hand around the head.
Ethan Ampadu looked distraught as Joe Rodon stared at the ground in disbelief.
Striker Kieffer Moore put an arm around James, before Danny Ward did the same, kissing him on the head in consolation.
The Welsh coaching staff rolled in not long afterwards to help console him, with Rob Page putting a, quite literal, arm around the shoulder.
Poland will now play in this summer’s Euros tournament, which will take place in Germany.
The competition gets going in June, and Poland will have a very tough group - featuring France, Netherlands and Austria.