Karol Świderski relegates Wales as Poland master the dark arts
Gareth Bale of Wales looks dejected after missing a chance. Wales v Estonia in a 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium on the 8th September 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Wales failed in their bid to stay in the Nations League A as they lost their final match 1-0 to Poland at Cardiff City Stadium. Poland frustrated Wales using every opportunity to go down and waste time.
Karol Swiderski got the games opening goal after 58 minutes, just as Rob Page was looking to bring Kieffer Moore into the game.
The early moments saw a tense start to the game as both sides look to get a foothold. The game struggled to get into a flow with the ref blowing up many times for fouls from both teams. Both teams had chances in the first half but went in to the break level.
Poland began the second half with some confident passing play and were in no rush to commit to a high line. Wales tried to work the ball around the pitch and stretch the play out wide. As the game went on and backed by a vocal away following the Polish team began to control the game.
The loss means Wales will be relegated from Nations League A and Poland will remain in League A.
Poland were almost in on goal when miscommunication between Cabango and Hennessey almost allowed Zielinski in. Hennessey was able to claim the ball before the Polish forward could get to it.
Nicola Zalewski went down in a tussle with Connor Roberts. There was no foul given and Wales won a corner. James took the corner towards the back post but Wales were unable to take advantage and Szczesny took the ball.
Neco Williams put a cross towards the back post looking for Roberts. Jakub Kiwior headed away but went down holding his head. The ref blew up and give a free kick to Poland. Wales players and fans clearly fed up how the Polish players going down at every opportunity.
Wales made a quick break with James who managed to get into the box and fried a low shot which Szczesny saved. James got the ball back and tried to play a ball across the box, but Szczesny got a leg out to stop it.
A clever run from Gareth Bale to find space and get the ball from Roberts’ throw. Bale made his way into the near post for a shot but the keeper saved.
Johnson went close when his deflected effort went just past the post. Johnson won the ball then cut across the box to shoot. The best chance for Wales of the half.
Half Time: Wales 0-0 Poland
Neco Williams fouled Bartosz Bereszynski and got a yellow card. The free kick was in the corner deep in the Welsh half and taken by Zielinski. His ball into the box found Jan Bednarek who heads at goal well wide.
As Wales prepared to bring on Kieffer Moore Poland struck. A good ball into the box found Lewandowski who with once quick touch split the Welsh defence and found Karol Swiderski, who rolled the ball home.
Johnson forced a good save from Szczesny when his low drive from the right needed touching round the post.
Johnson was soon going for goal again as he run into the box from the right. He shot at goal but sent his effort over the bar.
Rubin Colwill came on and soon made a run towards the box going past two Polish players before eventually being stopped, just before being able to get the ball across the box.
Gareth Bale tried to drag Wales back into the game sending Johnson away on the right. Johnson’s effort was saved and then Dan James’ shot from the left was brilliantly saved by Szczesny.
Dan James made his way to the by-line and sent the ball across the box but Szczesny was able to take the ball. Colwill tried the same moments later and again the Polish keeper was up to the task.
In added time both Colwill and Moore saw their shots at goal blocked as a desperate Wales looked for goal.
Bale tested Szczesny with a header towards the top corner from Sorba Thomas’ cross. The Polish keeper making another fine save.
As Wales tried to attack Krychowiak went down after a challenge from Moore which saw him booked.
Colwill was fouled and won a free kick on the edge of the box. Bale sent the free kick into the box but Poland were able to clear.
Poland withstood the Welsh pressure at the end took the win.
Full Time: Wales 0-1 Poland
Wales: Wayne Hennessey (G), Neco Williams, Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon, Dylan Levitt (Rubin Colwill 71), Brennan Johnson, Gareth Bale (C), Connor Roberts (Sorba Thomas 85), Joe Morrell, Rhys Norrington-Davies (Kieffer Moore 58), Dan James.
Goals:
Yellow Cards: Rhys Norrington-Davies 42, Neco Williams 49, Kieffer Moore 90
Poland: Wojciech Szczesny (G), Jakub Kiwior, Jan Bednarek, Robert Lewandowski, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Szymon Zurkowski (Sebastian Szymanski 84), Kamil Glik, Karol Swiderski, Bartosz Bereszynski (Robert Gumny 89), Piotr Zielinski, Nicola Zalewski.
Goals: Karol Swiderski 58.
Yellow Cards: Grzegorz Krychowiak 35, Bartosz Bereszynski 86,
Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell
