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DREAM'S POLE-AXED

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date27 March 2024
Publication titleDaily Star (England)
The Leeds winger missed the decisive penalty at the end of extra time as Rob Page's men fell at the final hurdle

The Cardiff City Stadium has witnessed some of the country's greatest nights.

Victory over Belgium in 2015, then Hungary four years later, followed by two World Cup play-off triumphs. All fondly remembered.

Page was hoping to add Poland to that list.

It was a formidable record, too, in the capital. In the last decade, the Red Dragons have lost just twice in 25 games at their favourite venue.

But the Poles came with valid hopes. They were one of those victors by a single goal during a Nations League clash 18 months ago.

The opening exchanges were predictably cagey. Przemyslaw Frankowski sent over a cross from the right that just eluded Karol Swiderski's outstretched leg.

At the other end, Wales' pace up front caused problems. Brennan Johnson was making a particular nuisance of himself.

From two corners in the opening quarter, it became clear why Page had plumped for Kieffer

Moore up front instead of David Brooks.

The forward, currently on loan at Ipswich from Bournemouth, was providing a focal point at set-pieces.

He was targeted by both sides. The hosts wanted to use his aerial power, the visitors to nullify it.

Ben Davies almost profited from one corner where the emphasis was all about stopping Moore. And then the striker turned to referee Daniele Orsato for help after seeing his shirt tugged at another.

It soon became clear that there was little to choose between these two.

Robert Lewandowski showed glimpses of his prowess wherever and whenever he was fed the ball. He lacked back-up.

Wales did not possess Poland's raw power, but they did boast athleticism and with Johnson enjoying one of his best games in a red jersey, carried significant threat.

With the interval just seconds away, the Red Dragons thought they had grabbed the all-important first goal.

The Poles switched offat a throw-in. The ball wasn't closed down, allowing Neco Williams to send an inswinging cross...

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