Euro 2024

WALES goalkeeper Danny Ward had his penalty cheat sheet leaked moments before their shoot-out defeat to Poland.Rob Page’s side were a game away from Euro 2024 after thrashing Finland 4-1 last week.Goalkeeper Danny Ward looked over a cheat sheet before the penalty shoot-outHe was told which way to dive for certain playersWard failed to save a single spot-kick as Wales lost the shoot-out 5-4Fans questioned Ward after the shoot-out horrorCredit: PAThey only needed to overcome Poland at home to book their place in Germany, but came undone in a penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 draw.It was a heartbreaking way for Wales to miss out as Leeds star Dan James missed the decisive penalty in a 5-4 shoot-out defeat.But Ward will also feel bitterly disappointed after failing to save a single spot-kick.He was even given a cheat sheet to peruse before the shoot-out began – with the keeper being told which way to dive depending on the taker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne instruction advised the keeper to “go late” – likely for an opponent who likes to delay the moment he kicks the ball.While the sheet also included a graph showing where Poland players had placed previous penalties they had taken.But Wales’ homework did not pay off as Poland scored every penalty, with one fan suggesting Ward “never looked like saving any of those penalties”.Another reacted saying: “I totally understand it’s a bonus if goalkeepers save penalties but Danny Ward would have still been there up until Easter Sunday trying to get a hand on one 🤦‍♂️”Most read in FootballWard did not have a shot to save during the matchCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third said: “Danny ward looks like a year 7 in his first season in the big goals.”And another commented: “Danny Ward was absolutely woeful at pens.”Poland fans light up flares despite police warning over bringing them to Wales clash More

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.Dejected James had his spot-kick saved as Poland celebrate going to Germany this summerCredit: PALeeds winger James is consoled by Wales coach Chris Gunter after penalty heartbreakCredit: GettyA 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.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”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.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut 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.Poland fans light up flares despite police warning over bringing them to Wales clashNow 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. READ MORE SUN STORIESRegular 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.” More

ENGLAND fans have called on Jose Mourinho to replace Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss.Mourinho, 61, has been out of work since being sacked by Roma in January.Jose Mourinho has been out of work since JanuaryCredit: GettyGareth Southgate led England to a draw with Belgium last nightCredit: GettyFollowing last night’s 2-2 draw with Belgium, some England fans expressed their disappointment, despite Jude Bellingham’s late leveller.And a collection of social media users even called for Mourinho to be parachuted in by the FA.One wrote: “Get Southgate gone. Serial winner in Mourinho is sat on a beach waiting.”While a second commented: “Crazy to say but England need to sack Southgate and bring Mourinho in on a short term contract. Similar style of play but at least he knows how to win stuff.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDA third insisted: “England need to be ruthless and sack Southgate now and bring Mourinho in. He’d win the Euros this summer.”And another added: “Is there a more obvious appointment than Mourinho to England after a disappointingly turgid Southgate early exit from the Euros this summer?”The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham boss recently admitted that he’d like to manage at international level.He told Fabrizio Romano: “To coach a national team is an objective for me.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Maybe right before World Cup, Euros or the Copa America, African Cup… I can, yes.”But waiting two years for that, I don’t know!Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?”Maybe one day it will happen.”Following Bellingham’s stoppage time equaliser last night, Southgate told Channel 4: “Jude, of course, is the headline.”That competitive spirit, that desire not to lose, desire to win in the end, was decisive in getting the late goal.”But I thought the whole team showed that throughout the game and recovered from setbacks with a pretty inexperienced team, really, against a team that have got some very, very good players.”Very pleased with a lot of what I saw tonight.”England have two games remaining before kicking off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.The Three Lions will host Bosnia at St James’ Park on June, 3, before facing Iceland at Wembley four days later. More

MYKHAILO MUDRYK was Ukraine’s hero as he sent his nation to the European Championship finals.The Chelsea winger was starring for the Blue and Yellows in their Euro 2024 playoff final against Iceland last night.Mykhailo Mudryk was Ukraine’s hero against IcelandCredit: GettyHis goal secured a spot at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersA goal on the half an hour mark from Albert Gudmundsson threatened to down send Ukraine’s qualification hopes down the drain.Ukraine thought they had earned an equaliser ten minutes later through ace Roman Yaremchuk, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, meaning Mudryk and Co went into the interval a goal down.However, nine minutes into the second half Viktor Tsygankov came up with an equaliser. With the teams level as the full-time whistle edged closer, extra-time was looming at Tarczynski Arena Wroclaw, Poland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat was until Mudryk, 23, came up with a delightful finish in the 84th minute.Dribbling with the ball down the right wing, goalscorer Tsygankov cut the ball back to Georgiy Sudakov. Sudakov then cut the ball back to the edge of the area where Mudryk was waiting.He then produced a first time shot which arrowed into the bottom left corner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe sumptuous strike proved to be the difference maker as Ukraine secured their spot in the summers Euros.The winner earned a special message from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.Fans all fooled by ‘Sky Sports commentary’ during Chelsea vs Newcastle – can you spot it?He on Telegram: “Thank you boys! Thank you to the team! “For proving once again that when Ukrainians face challenges but refuse to give up and continue the fight, they invariably win.”Many fans also reserved praise for the match-winner, with one saying: “I’ve been too harsh, the aura this guy gives off is unmatched. Future superstar Mudryk.”A second said: “Invest in Mykhailo Mudryk stocks now while you can. We are going big very soon.”A third said: “Mykhailo Mudryk is a baller. I hope Poch is watching.”Another added: “Mudryk sending his country to the Euros by scoring the the goal. Put some respect on his name.”Mudryk arrived at Stamford Bridge with high hopes in a transfer which could rise to £88.5million.However, poor form and inconsistent game time means he is yet to live up to such expectations.The match was played on neutral ground due to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.Ukraine will now face Belgium, Romania and Slovakia in Group E.Elsewhere, Georgia defied the odds by beating Greece on penalties to qualify for their first-ever major tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will be against Turkey, Portugal and Czechia in Group F.However, there was heartbreak for Wales as they lost out on a finals spot as former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny saved Leeds star Daniel James from the penalty spot. More

FANS were left unable to watch the penalty shootout between Georgia and Greece on Tuesday.The Euro 2024 playoff tie went to a penalty shoot-out to decide which team would qualify for the finals.Fans were left unable to watch the penalty shoot-out between Georgia and GreeceCredit: AFPGeorgia won on spot-kicks to book their place at Euro 2024Credit: AFPViaplay provided live coverage of the match from the match in Tbilisi for fans in the United Kingdom.However, viewers were let fuming on social media as the coverage switched to Wales vs Poland moments before the end of extra-time.Wales and Poland also met in a playoff tie in Cardiff but at a later kick-off time to the match in Georgia.Reacting on social media, one fan wrote: “Have Viaplay just stopped live coverage two minutes before penalties in Georgia vs Greece? Surely not.”Another fumed: “Viaplay making the worst business decision of the year cutting off Georgia vs Greece penalties, outrageous.”A third fan also added: “So Viaplay has literally switched to Wales’ playoff game right before the penalty shootout between Georgia and Greece began. I mean… how on earth?!”Georgia went on to win 4-2 on penalties to qualify for the Euros and their first major tournament.The Crusaders join Turkey, Portugal and the Czech Republic in group F after progressing from the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilly Sagnol’s side came through a heated encounter with Greece which descended into chaos on the stroke of half-time.A huge brawl broke out after the referee’s whistle, resulting in a red card for a member of the Greek backroom team and Georgia’s substitute goalkeeper Giorgi Loria.Germany to wear pink ‘diversity’ kit at Euro 2024 as players and legends hit back at criticism amid England ‘woke’ rowElsewhere in the playoffs, Wales were beaten on penalties by Poland following a goalless draw.Ukraine also qualified for this summer’s tournament after coming from behind to see off Iceland. More

SO near yet so far for Wales.Rob Page’s Dragons came within a whisker of clinching a place at the Euros for a third successive time – only to miss out in heart-breaking fashion.Dan James shows his dejection while visiting players rush to rejoiceCredit: PAJames saw his penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny to send Wales outCredit: PAThe Dragons can’t believe it as they reflect on their exitCredit: ReutersKrzysztof Piatek and Bartosz Salamon lead Polish celebrationsCredit: GettyFormer Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny was the penalty shoot-out hero as he dived full stretch to save from Dan James.And with Danny Ward unable to get to any of the five pens from the visitors, it proved to be enough.So it is Robert Lewandowski and Poland who take their place in Germany in June while Wales will be wondering what might have been.It was the first time they have ever been in a penalty shoot-out and this morning will probably hope it is the last.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLBecause it was a devastating way to go out – and Page will know his team could not have given any more.This was always going be a much tougher test than Thursday’s semi-final rout of Finland.Wales only victory over Poland in 10 attempts came back in March 1973 – and they had lost the last six going into this one.Yet the Dragons are on a seven match unbeaten run and have lost just three of 20 games here in Cardiff.Most read in Euro 2024Wales had battled through to spot-kicks after denying Poland ANY clear chances in normal and extra time.Ben Davies had a goal wiped out for offside goal in the first half of the added half-hour.Electric atmosphere inside the Cardiff City Stadium as Wales fans blast out national anthemAnd Szczesny superbly kept out Kieffer Moore’s effort.Then in the final moments of extra time the Dragons saw centre-back Chris Mepham sent off for his second booking.That didn’t matter much – but James’ mishap did as the Dragons crashed out undeservedly.By contrast the Poles have struggled on the road – losing three of their four away Euro qualifiers, including games at Moldova and Albania.So it was a big night for them and their skipper and talisman Robert Lewandowski.The Bayern Munich legend was taunted by shouts of ‘you’re just a sh*t Kieffer Moore’ by the noisy Red Wall.Moore – back in the starting line-up after being benched on Thursday – must have had a little chuckle to himself.He knows the Barcelona forward has had a stellar career in both club and international football – scoring 82 times for the Poles.At 35 he knows there will not be many more major tournaments for him – a swansong in Germany this summer would be a perfect way to bow out.His team settled quicker than the hosts but Przemyslaw Frankowski’s cross was right into the danger zone but just eluded the sliding Karol Swiderski.Wales coach Chris Gunter does his best to console devastated JamesCredit: GettyBut after a nervous start, Page’s men grew into the game and skipper Ben Davies directed his header from Harry Wilson’s corner just too high.Moore headed another one across the face of goal and wide – but clearly the Poles and former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny were not comfortable from set pieces.Wilson danced into the box but there was nobody there to finish it off, while a Connor Roberts long throw flicked on by Joe Rodon but Moore could not quite turn it in at the back post.Lewandowski was not getting much service so began to drop deep to try to get on the ball – and showed his quality on the ball.But to be fair Wales had go to grips with him and the home side thought they had ended a tense opening 45 minutes in perfect style.Moore nodded a Neco Williams centre back across goal and stand in skipper Ben Davies nodded home but celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.It was a tight one but the VAR confirmed the Italian official had got it right.Wales would have taken heart from it though and within minutes of the restart a towering header from Moore was clawed away spectacularly by SzczesnyThe on loan Ipswich forward had been selected with Rob Page hoping his height would cause the Poles a problem – and he was doing just that.Wales boss Rob Page faced unbearable tensionCredit: RexYet minutes later at the other end Lewandowski finally got a sight of goal but Davies did enough to put him off and his header was much too high.Chances were starting to come though and Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior couldn’t sort his feet out and directed a decent opening high over the bar.And back at the other end, Moore again got on the end of a cross from Roberts but his header was straight at Szczesny.Page decided to make a change with Dan James – who made such a big impact against the Finns – replacing a tiring Brennan Johnson.And going into the last few minutes, he also introduced David Brooks – hoping that pace could make a difference against tiring legs.Yet it almost backfired as with the clock ticking down Lewandowski tried his luck from 20 yards but his effort fizzed narrowly wide.Wales were entering unchartered territory as they have never been involved in a game that has gone to extra time before.A low cross by Davies was pushed out by Szczesny but agonisingly out of reach of the on-rushing JamesAnd back at the other end, a curling effort from Jakub Piotrowski had Danny Ward beaten but drifted the wrong side of the post.Amazingly the Poles had not managed an effort on target all night – yet that was a close one.They looked the more likely to break the deadlock during extra time – but the home side were out on their feet.Chris Mepham’s tired lunge on sub Romanczuk earned him a second yellow card but it was just seconds before the full-time whistle.So to penalties – Davies, Moore,Wilson and Williams all scored their spot-kicks but so too did all of Poland’s takers.READ MORE SUN STORIESSzczeseny saved from James and the dream was over. 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