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

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 LIVE

• Wales suffer penalty shootout heartbreak as Poland clinch final Euro 2024 place

• Wales defeated in Euro 2024 play-off final as Poland win penalty shootout 5-4

• Poland secure spot at this summer’s tournament in Germany

• 120’ RED CARD! - Mepham is sent off for a second bookable offence (WAL 0-0 POL)

• 90+4’ FT - Wales vs Poland goes to extra-time to decide final Euro 2024 spot (WAL 0-0 POL)

• 49’ CLOSE! - Moore’s header is pushed wide by Szczesny (WAL 0-0 POL)

• 45’ DISALLOWED! - Davies’ headed goal is ruled out for offside (WAL 0-0 POL)

• 18’ CHANCE! - Davies heads a corner over the crossbar (WAL 0-0 POL)

Wales 4 - 5 Poland

Wales suffer penalty shootout heartbreak as Poland clinch final Euro 2024 place

23:08 , Mike Jones

Wales suffered heartbreak in their first-ever penalty shoot-out as Poland booked their place at Euro 2024 after a goalless 120 minutes.

Spot-kicks were needed on a tense evening in which Ben Davies had a first-half header disallowed for offside but chances were scarce in this play-off final.

Wales were reduced to 10 in the final seconds as Chris Mepham was banished for a second yellow card and Cardiff City Stadium held its breath following an impromptu rendition of the national anthem.

Wales suffer penalty shootout heartbreak as Poland clinch final Euro 2024 place

Wales manager Rob Page speaking on S4C:

23:10 , Mike Jones

“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.”

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

23:00 , Mike Jones

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.”

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

22:53 , Mike Jones

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.”

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

22:48 , Mike Jones

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.

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

22:45 , Mike Jones

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.”

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

22:39 , Mike Jones

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

22:30 , Mike Jones

The Polish players start the celebrations. The Welsh players are heartbroken. Dan James looks gutted. Wales have been beaten in a penalty shootout.

Poland are heading to Euro 2024. Wales miss out on another major tournament appearance.

Penalties: Wales 4-5 Poland

22:29 , Mike Jones

Dan James has to score to keep Wales in contention.

Saved! Wojiech Szczesny leaps to the right and palms the ball away!

Penalties: Wales 4-5 Poland

22:28 , Mike Jones

Krzysztof Piatek is the last man up for Poland of the initial five takers. He scores, a clean sweep for Poland.

Penalties: Wales 4-4 Poland

22:27 , Mike Jones

Now it’s the turn of Neco Williams. He breathes out, and slots it into the bottom corner. As cool as you like.

Penalties: Wales 3-4 Poland

22:27 , Mike Jones

No-one has missed yet.

Nicola Zalewski steps up for Poland he shuffles to the left and finds the corner. Danny Ward dove the correct way but couldn’t get there.

Penalties: Wales 3-3 Poland

22:26 , Mike Jones

Now it’s the turn of Harry Wilson for Wales. He’s taken plenty of penalties for his club and makes no mistake for his country. 3-3.

Penalties: Wales 2-3 Poland

22:25 , Mike Jones

Here comes Przemyslaw Frankowski. He smashes it home. Wow.

Penalties: Wales 2-2 Poland

22:24 , Mike Jones

Kieffer Moore comes to the spot for Wales. He’s calm, and drills one onto the underside of the crossbar. The ball bounces down and crosses the line.

All square.

Penalties: Wales 1-2 Poland

22:23 , Mike Jones

Sebastian Szymanski scurries up to the ball and smokes it into the back of the net! No dramas there.

Penalties: Wales 1-1 Poland

22:23 , Mike Jones

Up first for Wales is captain Ben Davies. He goes down the middle and Szczesny moves to the right meaning Wales level the shootout.

Penalties: Wales 0-1 Poland

22:22 , Mike Jones

Yes he can. He slides it past Danny Ward with cool composure. Poland lead.

Penalties: Wales 0-0 Poland

22:21 , Mike Jones

Danny Ward and Wojciech Szczesny stride over to the goal with Robert Lewandowski up to take the first penalty. He’s Poland’s talisman and captain. Can he score?

Penalties: Wales 0-0 Poland

22:20 , Mike Jones

The Welsh supporters are belting out the national anthem ahead of this shootout. It is the first competitive penalty shootout that Wales have been a part of.

Can they win it?

ET full-time! Wales 0-0 Poland

22:18 , Mike Jones

121 mins: It’s penalties! The fate of the final Euro 2024 qualifier will be decided by a penalty shootout in Cardiff. Now it really is anyone’s game.

Who will step up to be the hero? Will it be Poland or will it be Wales who reach the tournament in Germany?

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

22:17 , Mike Jones

120 mins: Red card! Chris Mepham is off.

He’s been booked for a second time after a coming together and the second yellow means Wales are down to 10-men.

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

22:11 , Mike Jones

117 mins: Rob Page is yelling and pacing on the sidelines. The fans are biting their nails. Wales are weathering a storm of crosses, set pieces and Polish possession.

The hosts are clinging on for penalties right now. Can they create one more big chance at goal?

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

22:09 , Mike Jones

114 mins: Poland earn a corner as Ethan Ampadu deflects a cut back behind the line. Szymanski curls the set piece into the near post and it gets flicked out. Danny Ward comes off his line and punches the ball away.

Nathan Broadhead is brought on for Wales replacing fellow substitute David Brooks. Rob Page will be gearing up for penalties now.

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

22:06 , Mike Jones

111 mins: Wales are being forced further and further back by Poland. This is not what the fans will want to see, there are nervous looking faces in the crowd.

Wales need to win possession but at present they’re just booting the ball away.

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

22:03 , Mike Jones

108 mins: Every measure of this match says that it should be decided by penalties but Poland seem to have the energy reserves and could make this final stage of extra-time difficult for the Dragons.

A cross comes in from the right wing but Sebastian Szymanski’s header sails wide.

ET second half! Wales 0-0 Poland

22:01 , Mike Jones

105 mins: A quick break and play is back underway. Poland have made a change with Jakub Piotrowski replaced with Taras Romanchuk.

No further substitutes for Wales.

ET half-time! Wales 0-0 Poland

21:58 , Mike Jones

105 mins: Still no goals. Halfway through extra-time and the teams cannot be separated. The tired legs look exhausted now and this next 15 minutes will be a struggle for both sides.

23 teams have secured their spots at Euro 2024. Who will joing them Wales or Poland?

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

21:54 , Mike Jones

102 mins: Poland burst up the pitch and manage to get a pacey shot off at goal. Danny Ward holds his ground and watches the ball sail wide of the target.

Piotr Zielinski is replaced with Sebastian Szymanski for Poland.

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

21:52 , Mike Jones

99 mins: Close! Ben Davies gets forward on the overlap and sprints into the box. He drills the ball across goal where Szczesny drops and palms the ball away.

It narrowly evades Dan James who was hovering for the rebound but can’t bring the ball under control.

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

21:49 , Mike Jones

96 mins: Harry Wilson is body checked by Pawel Dawidowicz and gets cleaned out just outside the penalty gifting Wales a free kick right in front of the goal.

This is prime territory for Wilson and Neco Williams though it’s a long way out from goal. Wilson takes it and drills his effort right into the wall.

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

21:45 , Mike Jones

93 mins: No further changes from either manager. Dan James looks to make his way through the right flank and is taken out by Zielinski but manages to win a free kick.

It’s whipped deep into the box and cleared out for a Welsh throw in.

ET Wales 0-0 Poland

21:43 , Mike Jones

90 mins: The hosts get the match back underway for another 30 minutes. There’s been no goals yet but will we see some late drama here tonight?

Extra-time! Wales 0-0 Poland

21:40 , Mike Jones

Nerves may have played their part towards the end of the 90 minutes and will continue to drive both teams forward over the next 30 minutes and potentially further.

The last thing Wales want is to go to penalties. Rob Page needs to come up with a way to find a goal for the home side.

Full-time! Wales 0-0 Poland

21:37 , Mike Jones

90+4 mins: Kieffer Moore is knocked over inside the Polish box but doesn’t win the penalty he’s searching for. The whistle blows to end the 90 minutes plus stoppage time and this play-off is heading for an extra 30 minutes and possibly penalties.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:35 , Mike Jones

90+2 mins: Not much time left in the 90 minutes here. Can Wales steal a winner?

There’s a few tired legs out there and it doesn’t seem likely. A quick breather may bring some life back into this match before extra-time.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:34 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play. Robert Lewandowski drills one from 25 yards, he forces Danny Ward to leap across but the shot was always heading wide.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:29 , Mike Jones

87 mins: Mykhailo Mudryk has given Ukraine the lead over Iceland in the other play-off final. They’ve come from behind to lead 2-1 with only a few minutes left on the clock.

Is there time for similar late drama at the Cardiff City Stadium?

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:27 , Mike Jones

84 mins: Good work from from Dan James in midfield sees him work the ball up to Harry Wilson. He combines with Neco Williams before dancing into the box and losing possession.

For half a moment the space opened up for a shot but Wilson decided not to take it and the attack is repelled.

Connor Roberts looks to have picked up an injury and is replaced with David Brooks for Wales. Will this change things for Rob Pages men?

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:23 , Mike Jones

81 mins: Inside the last 10 minutes of the 90 now and still nothing to separate the two teams. Things are getting tense and any goal now would surely be enough to send someone to Euro 2024.

Will win see a winner?

Karol Swiderski and Jan Bednarek are replaced with Bartosz Salamon and Krzysztof Piatek.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:21 , Mike Jones

78 mins: Free kick to Wales after Wilson falls over from a slight touch to the foot. Neco Williams sends the ball into the box from the inside right and finds Chris Mepham.

He nods the ball into the air but Szczesny plucks the ball out of the air.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:18 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Ukraine do have their equaliser against Iceland now and that match looks to be heading to extra time in a similar manner as this one in Cardiff.

It’s getting a bit scrappy with Lewandowski going to ground and buying a free kick just inside his own half.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:14 , Mike Jones

72 mins: Brennan Johnson is taken off by Rob Page with Daniel James the man to replace him for the last 20 minutes or so. James scored against Finland, can he do so again tonight?

His first involvement is to dance around Slisz who falls to the ground and wants a free kick inside his own box.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:11 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Wales are almost caught after a making a few mistakes at the back under constant Polish pressure. Chris Mepham gives the ball away but Ben Davies is on hand to win it back and clear the lines.

The hosts can’t get possession and are being pinned inside their own half.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:08 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Ben Davies wins the ball in a fantastic tackle to dispossess Robert Lewandowski. The Wales captain has been a firecracker in defence tonight and will need to stay switched on for the rest of this match.

His efforts encourage the crowd to start cheering once again. So far the nerves aren’t getting to them.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:05 , Mike Jones

63 mins: A tackle from Williams on Zielinski brings Poland a free kick. He does well to avoid a yellow card after clipping the midfielder on the ankle.

A short pass is played into the right side of the box from the set piece but Wales play the offside trap and are awarded the decision as the Polish forwards are sent into the area.

Wales 0-0 Poland

21:03 , Mike Jones

60 mins: An hour played in Cardiff and still no breakthrough. There are a touch over 31,000 fans inside the stadium to see how this fateful match will play out.

Poland win themselves a corner that curls over to Lewandowski. He gets a head to the ball but can’t control it under pressure and the effort loops high over the crossbar.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:59 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Yellow card for Jordan James after he arrives late and clatters Bartosz Slisz to the deck. It’s not a good tackle and James took no prisoners in cleaning out the Polish midfielder.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:57 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Poland are happy to slow down the match and take the sting out of Wales’ play. The visitors haven’t really got themselves into the second half as of yet.

A potential counter attack for Poland develops with the ball getting nudged up to Robert Lewandowski. Joe Rodon gets across and strongly forces the striker off the ball.

Good defending.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:54 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Moore is brought down again, this time by Jakub Piotrowski in the middle of the pitch. The Polish midfielder is shown a yellow card too.

Wales are growing in confidence.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:53 , Mike Jones

49 mins: Close!

Neco Williams floats the free kick into the box and finds Kieffer Moore. He peels off his marker and wins the header before targeting the top corner.

Szczesny leaps to the left and flaps the ball away with a right hand as the ball looked to be sneaking in. The crowd got excited about that one.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:52 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Poland have not lost to Wales in 51 years but they look the second best side over those first 45 minutes. Rob Page hasn’t made any changes to the Welsh team during the break.

Moore wins another free kick after Dawidowicz bungles him to ground. Good chance for Wales this...

Second half! Wales 0-0 Poland

20:48 , Mike Jones

The players are back out for the second half.

There’s 45 minutes left in this match before extra time and possibly penalties. Both teams will be hoping to end this match well before then and the opening goal could prove to be crucial.

Wales kick the next part of this tense encounter.

HT Wales 0-0 Poland

20:46 , Mike Jones

At the end of the first half, Poland had created four chances to score which was slightly more than Wales’ three. The better opportunities came to the hosts though who almost went ahead before Ben Davies’ opener was chalked off.

All to play for in the second half.

HT Wales 0-0 Poland

20:42 , Mike Jones

In the other Euro 2024 play off finals played today, Iceland have a 1-0 lead over Ukraine who saw their equaliser ruled out after a VAR check - there are 45 minutes left to play in that match.

Earlier, Georgia reached their first European Championship after a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Greece in the 5pm kick off. Will Wales be joining them in Germany?

HT Wales 0-0 Poland

20:38 , Mike Jones

Half-time! Wales 0-0 Poland

20:34 , Mike Jones

45+1 mins: It’s still all to play for at the break as the teams head into the break all square. VAR confirmed that Ben Davies was just offside in the build up to his disallowed goal.

Disallowed! Wales 0-0 Poland

20:32 , Mike Jones

45 mins: It’s an end-to-end match with neither team managing any good chances on goal. One minute of added time to go.

GOAL!

A short throw in comes to Neco Williams who flicks a cross into the box. Kieffer Moore rises and nods the ball up to Ben Davies who heads it into the back of the net.

The crowd erupt but the offside flag goes up immediately.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:26 , Mike Jones

42 mins: Ukraine have equalised against Iceland in the other play-off final. Wales look more settled and confident now especially when they have the ball at their feet.

There’s a scrappiness to play though when they’re forced to defend as though they’re preoccupied with the ability of Robert Lewandowski and are scrambling to keep him quiet.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:24 , Mike Jones

39 mins: Zalewski flicks a cross into the box from the left after a good run into the box. He finds Robert Lewandowski but the forward nods the ball down for a teammate and Wales boot the ball away.

Kieffer Moore collects it further up the pitch and wins a free kick after a foul from Pawel Dawidowicz.

Harry Wilson delivers a low pass from the set piece and looks for Ben Davies but his pass is too heavy and Szczesny scoops up the ball.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:21 , Mike Jones

36 mins: A lovely long ball comes over the top for Brennan Johnson who brings it down beautifully before slipping a pass to Neco Williams on the overlap.

He squirts a low pass into the box but Harry Wilson can’t get a foot to it and Poland scramble it away.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:19 , Mike Jones

33 mins: There’s a rendition of Yma o Hyd from the Welsh supporters which never fails to get the spine tingling and the goosebumps out.

Will the Wales players respond with renewed effort?

In the other Euro play-off final taking place right now, Iceland have taken the lead over Ukraine.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:15 , Mike Jones

30 mins: Kieffer Moore has been a big threat for Wales over the first half and hour or so and takes a kick to the back of the leg after a forceful clearance from Frankowski.

Poland’s attack down the right wing means Ben Davies have some work to do and expertly blocks the cross from coming into the box.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:13 , Mike Jones

27 mins: Zalewski isn’t happy as he dances inside from the leg wing and gets brought down outside the penalty area. Jordan James breaks up the pitch for Wales but runs out of space.

Wales switch sides and try to get into the final third through Neco Williams but he’s forced to retreat too. The hosts remain patient and keep control of the ball.

Harry Wilson tricks his way into the box and cuts the ball back but he can’t find a red shirt and Poland manage to clear their lines.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:09 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Wales do look dangerous from the set pieces. That could be their way to succeed in this match. Both Moore and Davies have bee strong in the air.

Rob Page would love his team to get on the ball and control the midfield though.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:06 , Mike Jones

21 mins: The opportunity from the corner will give Wales some confidence. Neco Williams and Brennan Johnson look sharp up the top of the pitch when they get the chances to run at the Polish back line.

Johnson forces a corner from Pawel Dawidowicz. Williams whips in the corner this time and finds Kieffer Moore who nods the ball well across goal.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:03 , Mike Jones

18 mins: Poland are starting to settle into this match. They’re getting more crosses and passes into dangerous positions but so far Wales are handling the danger well.

Connor Roberts clears the ball into the stands.

Poland win the first corner of the match and Swiderski swings in the set piece. The home side clear the danger and look to break through Ethan Ampadu.

His poor ball eventually comes to Brennan Johnson who releases Ampadu for a pass out to Neco Williams. The attack results in a corner for Wales but Ben Davies or Kieffer Moore heads the effort over the target.

Wales 0-0 Poland

20:00 , Mike Jones

15 mins: The ball bounces about in midfield with Ethan Ampadu doing brilliantly to recover possession and feed it into Brennan Johnson.

He threads a pass over to Neco Williams who runs into trouble and gets tackled by Przemyslaw Frankowski.

At the other end of the pitch, Frankowski whips in a cross as Karol Swiderski darts in between the centre-backs. He sticks out a leg to try and turn the ball into the net but it bounces just past his foot and Danny Ward watches it go wide of the far post.

Wales 0-0 Poland

19:57 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Neither side has managed to get properly get control of the ball so far with Poland stuck inside their own half after some strong pressing from the Welsh forward line.

A long throw from Connor Roberts is flicked on by Kieffer Moore but there aren’t any of his teammates in the vicinity to collect the loose ball.

Wales 0-0 Poland

19:53 , Mike Jones

9 mins: Neco Williams darts inside from the left and delivers a fine cross into the box aiming for Kieffer Moore. Jan Bednarek leaps in front of the forward and nods the ball away.

It comes up to Robert Lewandowski who goes down on the halfway line looking for a free kick. The referee lets play go on as Wales collect the ball.

The home fans give Lewandowski a chorus of boos for his theatrics.

Wales 0-0 Poland

19:51 , Mike Jones

6 mins: Harry Wilson and Nicola Zalewski both challenge for the ball with the Welsh midfielder sticking out a leg and awkwardly getting tangled up with his opponent.

He lands weirdly but is okay to continue. Wales have started okay, they haven’t seen as much of the ball as they’d like but Poland aren’t making much headway up the pitch.

Wales 0-0 Poland

19:48 , Mike Jones

3 mins: In the last couple of matches Wales have scored inside the opening seven minutes but things already seem different tonight.

Jordan James plays a fine pass forward but the ball runs through safely to Wojciech Szczesny. Poland then come down the left side and lose possession.

A quick pass up to Kieffer Moore sees the Welsh striker penalised for an elbow to the face.

Kick off! Wales 0-0 Poland

19:46 , Mike Jones

The visitors, dressed in all white tonight, get the ball rolling at the Cardiff City Stadium. It’s booted up the pitch and gets claimed easily by Danny Ward in the Welsh goal.

We’re underway.

Wales vs Poland

19:43 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams. The players head out onto the pitch and line up for the national anthems. This should be a stormer of a match and it’s expected to be a close one.

Wales don’t have a good record against Poland but, on the most crucial of nights, can they get past the Poles and scure a spot at Euro 2024?

Kick off is up next...

Wales vs Poland

19:41 , Mike Jones

Robert Lewandowski has been directly involved in 24 goals in his past 27 appearances for Poland (16 goals, eight assists), although he has not scored in any of his three games against Wales to date.

Wales vs Poland

19:37 , Mike Jones

Harry Wilson has been directly involved in six goals in nine appearances in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign (three goals, three assists), the most of any player for Wales.

The Fulham midfielder has assisted a goal in each of his past two outings, while his 16 chances created are also the most of any player for the Dragons in this qualifying campaign.

Wales ready for crunch Euro 2024 play-off without talismanic figure Gareth Bale

19:33 , Mike Jones

Rob Page believes Wales have come “a long way” since the retirement of Gareth Bale to be within one win of reaching Euro 2024.

Wales host Poland in a play-off final at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, with a place in Germany this summer at stake.

Victory would see Wales play at a third successive European Championship and a fourth major tournament out of five after qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

But this time Wales would achieve qualification without talismanic former captain Bale, their record caps holder and goalscorer who retired a few months before the start of Euro 2024 qualifying in January 2023.

Wales ready for crunch Euro 2024 play-off without talismanic figure Gareth Bale

Wales vs Poland

19:28 , Mike Jones

Since the start of 2023, Poland have lost three of their four Euro qualifier matches played away from home, losing to the Czech Republic, Moldova and Albania in that time.

They did win their most recent one, however, away to the Faroe Islands back in October (2-0).

Wales vs Poland

19:23 , Mike Jones

Wales are looking to qualify for a third consecutive European Championships, having previously appeared in the 2016 and 2020 editions.

In Euro qualifiers played at Cardiff City Stadium, Wales have only lost one of their last 15 (10 wins, four draws).

How to watch Wales vs Poland

19:22 , Mike Jones

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.

Wales vs Poland

19:18 , Mike Jones

Following their 4-1 victory over Finland, Wales stretched their unbeaten run to seven matches (four wins, three draws).

Only once have they recorded a longer streak without defeat under Robert Page (nine games between September 2021 and March 2022 - four wins, five draws).

If Wales give Robert Lewandowski a sniff at goal he will take it, warns Harry Wilson

19:13 , Mike Jones

Harry Wilson admits Robert Lewandowski’s hunger for goals represents the biggest threat to Wales reaching Euro 2024.

Wales host Poland in a Euro 2024 play-off final at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday with a place in Germany this summer at stake.

Only one place separates the two nations in the FIFA world rankings – Wales are 29th, Poland 30th – but the visitors possess one of football’s greatest-ever goalscorers in their ranks.

Lewandowski has scored 82 goals for Poland and the 35-year-old Barcelona striker is the fourth overall men’s international goalscorer in Europe behind Romelu Lukaku (83), Ferenc Puskas (84) and Cristiano Ronaldo (128).

If Wales give Robert Lewandowski a sniff at goal he will take it – Harry Wilson

Wales vs Poland

19:08 , Mike Jones

Poland have won each of their past three away games against Wales, all of which have been in competitive action (2-1 in 2001, 3-2 in 2004 and 1-0 in 2022).

Indeed, the only other European sides they’ve had a longer winning streak away from home against are San Marino (five) and Finland (two runs of four).

Wales vs Poland

19:03 , Mike Jones

Wales have lost each of their last six games against Poland (all played between 2001 and 2022); the only other non-British nation they’ve had a longer losing run against is the Netherlands, with 10 straight defeats between 1988 and 2022.

Wales vs Poland

18:58 , Mike Jones

Wales and Poland have faced each other on 10 previous occasions. Wales’ only victory came in their first meeting back in March 1973, losing seven and drawing two of their nine subsequent meetings.

The two factors Wales must exploit to beat Poland and reach Euro 2024

18:53 , Mike Jones

The long, convoluted and confusing route to Euro 2024 comes to a head on Tuesday night, with three play-off places to be settled and Wales hoping they can claim one of them, facing Poland at Cardiff City Stadium and riding high on the confidence generated by their 4-1 thrashing of Finland last week in the semis. A similar type of showing this time around can seal a third European Championship appearance in a row and a fourth tournament in eight years for the Dragons.

Yet, it must be acknowledged that the task remains large; even a near-perfect performance might yield two chances falling Poland’s way. If they happen to be at the boots of Robert Lewandowski, even with his powers on the wane he can ensure the rest of the match is rendered irrelevant.

But for all that they must beware the Barcelona forward and his teammates, Wales will have confidence in their own game, their own approach to chasing victory – and there are two particularly good reasons for doing so.

The two decisive factors Wales must exploit to beat Poland and reach Euro 2024

Wales team changes

18:48 , Mike Jones

Rob Page makes on change to the Welsh starting XI that faced Finland in their play-off semi-final last time out.

Striker Kieffer Moore comes in for David Brooks, who drops to the bench. Ben Davies captains the side once again with regular skipper Aaron Ramsey named among the substitutes.

Poland line-up to face Wales

18:44 , Mike Jones

Poland name an unchanged team from the one that demolished Estonia 5-1 in Thursday’s other play-off semi-final. Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash misses out after picking up an injury against Estonia.

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

Subs: Bulka, Skorupski, Puchacz, Walukiewicz, Salamon, Bochniewicz, Piatek, Moder, Romanczuk, Szymanski, Grosicki, Buksa.

Wales line-up to take on Poland

18:42 , Mike Jones

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

Subs: Hennessey, King, Fox, Dasilva, Sheehan, Savage, Ramsey, D. James, Matondo, Brooks, Broadhead, Cullen.

Davies talks Wales’ football future

18:40 , Mike Jones

Davies added: “Welsh football was in a pretty sticky place before Euro 2016.

“We felt that would be our best chance to qualify and it was important to break down that barrier to show it is possible.

“To show that qualification is there in your hands, and we’ve had players stepping up in big moments over and over. To do it four times is something that I never imagined happening.”

Ben Davies on life after Gareth Bale

18:35 , Mike Jones

Tottenham defender and Wales’ captain this evening Ben Davies said: “It’s been a bit of transition having lost Gareth [Bale], who brought so much to this squad.

“If we could get there this time it’s a real team effort and we’d be really proud. Most of us played in the game where we got the experience of beating Ukraine in the last play-off.

“It was high stress, the game with the biggest stakes on it, and everyone handled themselves well. That’s one thing we pride ourselves on. We’ve got discipline, energy and passion, but overall we’re a proper team.”

Ben Davies confident Wales won’t pay the penalty in play-off against Poland

18:30 , Mike Jones

Ben Davies is confident Wales will prevail should they face a first-ever penalty shoot-out in their Euro 2024 play-off final against Poland.

Wales have never felt the tension of spot-kicks to settle matters at full-time, but that would be the deciding factor should Tuesday’s tie in Cardiff finish level after 120 minutes.

Poland have been involved in two shoot-outs, both at Euro 2016 – overcoming Switzerland in the round of 16 before losing to Portugal at the quarter-final stage.

Ben Davies confident Wales won’t pay the penalty in play-off against Poland

Page on Wales’ home record

18:25 , Mike Jones

"It’s an incredible record and our supporters are massive," said Rob Page about how strong Wales’ home form has been through qualifying.

"They took the roof off with the anthem the other day. Bring it on again Tuesday. Let’s use that to our benefit to get across the line."

Fortress Cardiff

18:20 , Mike Jones

Wales have only lost one of their last 15 European Championship qualifiers at the Cardiff City Stadium and are a difficult prospect to deal with at their home ground.

Will they be able to keep Poland at bay tonight or can their rivals inflict another defeat on the Dragons?

What team selections do the managers face?

18:15 , Mike Jones

Rob Page’s toughest selection dilemma for this evening will be in attack. Against Finland he sprung a surprise by starting Southampton’s David Brooks and leaving in-form Ipswich Town striker Kieffer Moore on the bench.

Brookd scored in the third minute as vindication for the decision.

Dan James made a big impact as a substitute and is pushing hard for a recall while Harry Wilson and Brennan Johnson impressed from the start.

Robert Lewandowski will captain Poland, who could be without Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash, as he went off injured during Thursday’s semi-final win over Estonia.

How did Poland end up in the play-offs?

18:10 , Mike Jones

Like Wales, Poland had an indifferent qualifying campaign which saw them miss out on an automatic spot at Euro 2024. They also had the back-up route of the play-offs thanks to their Nations League performance in recent years.

The Poles suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in their history when they lost in Moldova, and a further loss to Albania led to manager Fernando Santos’ sacking during qualifying.

A third place finish in their group saw them drop into the next stage of qualifying and they will be hoping to sweep Wales aside in order to regain some of the form that saw them reach the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup.

Gareth Southgate sends heartfelt message to Princess of Wales following cancer diagnosis

18:05 , Mike Jones

Gareth Southgate has led a message of support to the Princess of Wales, following news she had been diagnosed with cancer.

The England manager was speaking ahead of his team’s friendly against Brazil, when he sent his “best wishes”.

“Remarkably dignified statement that she gave and we obviously have a very close relationship with the family, so very upset to hear the news but hope everything goes well”, he told reporters.

Davies on Brennan Johnson

18:00 , Mike Jones

Ben Davies’ Tottenham team-mate Brennan Johnson scored three goals in his last seven Spurs appearances and netted in the semi-final play-off against Finland.

“He is playing at a big club in big games,” said Davies about Johnson. “He is pulling out results, scoring goals and getting assists.

“He offers a lot of pace, he is very direct and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He has taken it in his stride, and we will see a better and better player coming.

“If he can bring that quality into a Welsh shirt for us we will be very happy.”

Davies claims reaching Euro 2024 would be 'better’ than previous campaigns

17:55 , Mike Jones

Ben Davies believes Wales reaching Euro 2024 would be “better in some ways” than previous successful qualifying campaigns. The defender is among a handful of survivors from the Chris Coleman squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in France and was also part of Wales teams that qualified for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

“It would be just as good as (reaching) the others, better in some ways,” said Davies ahead of Thursday’s play-off semi-final victory over Finland.

“It’s different times. We don’t have Gareth Bale this time. That’s a big loss for Wales, our greatest ever player but that doesn’t mean there’s a different feeling within the camp. We are more than confident with the squad we’ve got.

“We are all here to play for Wales and to do a job for our country and qualify for major tournaments. Boys have been there before and boys who have been there at the top of their game. It’s still as motivating now as it was.

“We have been in this situation before, must-win games. We are on the brink.”

Wales vs Poland

17:50 , Mike Jones

Wales were absent from major tournaments for 58 years following the 1958 World Cup but, since ending that drought with a mesmerising run to the semi-finals at Euro 2016, qualification has become the expectation rathe than a dream.

They have featured at Euro 2020 and the World Cup in 2022 while a win over Poland would secure them a spot in a third consecutive major tournament.

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