Wales suffer heartbreaking defeat and miss out Euro 2024

Wales' hopes for Euro 2024 were dashed as they suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Poland in the play-off final in Cardiff, following a goalless draw after 120 minutes.

Both teams struggled to find their rhythm in a tense opening, with neither able to produce fluent passing or cohesive attacks.

Wales captain Ben Davies had a goal disallowed due to an offside position.

Opportunities remained scarce in the second half, with Kieffer Moore's header being the closest chance, forcing a fine save from Poland's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, while Poland's star striker Robert Lewandowski was limited to a header that sailed over the crossbar.

The tension heightened in extra time, with Jakub Piotrowski coming agonizingly close to scoring with a curling long-range shot.

Chris Mepham received a second yellow card in the final minute of extra time, reducing Wales to ten men, but they held on for the penalty shootout.

However, Poland converted all five of their penalties, while Wales' Dan James saw his effort saved by Szczesny, leading to devastating disappointment for the Welsh team.

Poland secured their place in Group D alongside France, Netherlands, and Austria for the tournament in Germany.