DAN JAMES suffered “cruel” penalty shootout heartbreak as Wales’ Euro 2024 qualification dreams are over.
The Dragons winger saw his deciding spot-kick saved by Wojciech Szczesny with Poland booking a spot in Germany.
A goalless draw after 120 minutes of stalemate at the Cardiff City Stadium, ten-man Wales faced pens for the first time in their history.
But Leeds’ James was denied by former Arsenal keeper Szczesny from 12 yards.
Devastated Wales boss Robert Page said: “It’s a cruel game, that’s what I’ve said to the players, one kick away from qualifying.
“It hurts and it’s a bitter pill to swallow.
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“We will rally around DJ, he had the bravery to take that penalty. I have nothing but respect for the five penalty takers.
“We win and lose together.
“I’m absolutely gutted for them. It’s a horrible way to go out. I am so proud of that group.”
Ben Davies, Kieffer Moore, Harry Wilson and Neco Williams all scored for Wales – who had Chris Mepham sent off for a second yellow card in extra-time – in the shootout.
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But the Poles netted all five of their kicks past Danny Ward which meant James had to score to take the pens into sudden death.
Szczesny, who brilliantly saved from Moore’s looping header in normal time, dived the right way from James’ right-footed effort.
Now Poland face the Netherlands, France and Austria in Group D at the finals this summer.
The gut-wrenching loss will raise questions over Wales boss Page’s future after chief executive Noel Mooney publicly said his position would be under review if an automatic Euros spot did not happen.
When asked if Page wants to lead the Dragons and see out the final two years of his contract, he added: “Absolutely. we’re a team in transition.
“We have games in June, the Nations League in the autumn and then the World Cup qualifiers next year. That’s my full focus – building on what I’ve started.
“This team is going somewhere. They’re so disappointed that they haven’t qualified.
“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.
“We will learn from the horrible experience. It’s so disappointing but look how far we’ve come, there’s something good happening with this group.
“They’re hungry for it, there’s a lot more to come and plenty more good times ahead.”
Connor Roberts suffered a thigh injury and substitute David Brooks was ill and had to be replaced by Nathan Broadhead in extra-time.
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Regular skipper Aaron Ramsey was not brought on for pens but Page insisted he made changes to try and win the game.
Wales captain Ben Davies, who had a first-half header ruled out for offside, said: “It’s a difficult one to take. Penalties, it’s cruel. It’s an emotional one right now.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
