JONATHAN SHALLARD REPORTING —- Wales’ dream of reaching the European Championship finals for the third successive time ended in the nightmare of a penalty shootout.

Their playoff against Poland finished goalless after extra time at the Cardiff City Stadium and went to a shootout which was decided when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved the last Welsh penalty of the five from Dan James.

The ecstasy of last week’s 4-1 despatch of Finland dissolved into the agony of European exit while the Poles followed up their 5-1 defeat of Estonia by denying home pressure for two hours of football and then being able to hail experienced Szczesny as their hero.

Wales had made a quickfire start against the Finns, and wanted a repeat with Page recalling Kieffer Moore to his starting line-up.

Captain Ben Davies headed just wide then Moore wasted another headed half-chance as Poland soaked up early pressure. Davies then had a goal disallowed for offside just before halftime.

Moore went close immediately after the restart but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny tipped the ball away for a corner.

Gradually Poland were gaining some attacking momentum but Wales found new spirit as the game staggered into the last 10 minutes and through extra time to penalties.

Penalties (Poland first): Lewandowski 1-0, Davies 1-1; Szymanski 2-1, Moore 2-2; Frankowski 3-2, Wilson 3-3; Zielinski 4-3, N Williams 4-4; Piontek 5-4, D James 5-4 (saved).

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