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.
Poland converted five perfect penalties with Robert Lewandowski, Sebastian Szymanski, Przemyslaw Frankowski, Nicola Zalewski and Krzysztof Piatek successful against Danny Ward.
Wales matched them as Ben Davies, Kieffer Moore - via the underside of the crossbar - Harry Wilson and Neco Williams scored. But Daniel James saw his effort pushed out by Wojciech Szczesny as Wales lost 5-4 on penalties and wild Polish celebrations began.
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Wales vs Poland highlights
Live updates
Wales 0-0 Poland | 7 mins
Neco Williams cuts inside nicely and curls a lovely cross towards the six-yard line but a Polish head stretches to clear as an attacker lurks.
Wales 0-0 Poland | 5 mins
Poland are happiest in possession so far, trying to stretch Wales with passing across the back before probing balls upfield.
They’re being dealt with rather well by the hosts’ defence.
Up the other end, Brennan Johnson produces a smart turn to win a free-kick.
Wales 0-0 Poland | 2 mins
Solid early press from Wales early on with both teams looking to overload the midfield.
Two three-man defences should see plenty of emphasis put into breaking out down the wings.
Early foul from Kieffer Moore, the referee may want to keep a lid on his physicality.
Kick-off!
We’re underway in Cardiff!
Georgia have booked their spot
Full time in the early play-off final and Georgia have booked their first-ever ticket to the Euros after a 4-2 penalty shootout win!
Wales vs Poland | Countdown to kick-off
Italy’s Daniele Orsato, a regular in Champions League and World Cup knockouts, takes the whistle today.
Robert Lewandowski and Ben Davies undertake the final pre-match duties.
Time for the national anthems
‘Poland Is Not Yet Lost’ first up, backed by their corner of vocal away fans holding up red-and-white scarves and the odd flare.
Then it’s time for ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’.
Here come the teams!
Some atmosphere in Cardiff, the place is absolutely rocking!
Still no winner in Georgia vs Greece
They’re going to penalties in Tbilisi!
How Wales got this far
As second seeds in qualification Group D, Wales found it tough going despite an opening-day draw in Croatia courtesy of a late Nathan Broadhead goal.
Armenia stunned Rob Page’s men in a 4-2 defeat before they lost to Turkey drew the return fixture with the Armenians.
Even though they did the double over Croatia, they fell four points short of an automatic spot with Turkey in fine form.
As a top-ranked side in the last Nations League, they entered the play-offs and smashed Finland 4-1 in Cardiff last week.