Wales see Euro 2024 dream end in heartbreak after penalty shootout defeat to Poland

Wales saw their Euro 2024 dream end in heartbreak after going down to a penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Poland in their play-off final at Cardiff City Stadium.

Neither side could be separated following a nervy 90 minutes of precious little attacking quality, although Ben Davies did have a goal chalked off for offside on the stroke of half-time.

Poland's Jakub Piotrowski came closest to finding the net in extra-time, but his curling effort whistled just wide. Chris Mepham was sent off shortly before the full-time whistle in extra-time, and penalties duly arrived.

And, after nine successful penalties, Daniel James missed his decisive spot-kick, ending Wales' hopes of reaching this summer's final the most in brutal and cruel fashion.

Despite their bravery, defeat not only denies Wales a fourth appearance in five major finals, but will also presumably once again see Rob Page's future pulled into question. This has, after all, been a disappointing qualifying campaign overall, and the wounds of a disastrous international camp last summer might well be opened up again.

That said, there was real hope that Wales could still salvage a spot in Germany heading into this game, although as was the case in the semi-final win over Finland, there was a cacophony of jangling nerves reverberating around the capital throughout the day.

Unlike Thursday night, there was no sign of an early softener. On the contrary, the opening 15 minutes would have been a tough watch for the neutral, never mind for the Red Wall, who once again did their bit with another epic national anthem ahead of kick-off.

Chances were few and far between for either side all night. Piotrowski, on target in the 5-1 win over Estonia, snapped a shot well off target from