Wales player ratings V Poland: Heartbreak for Wales as forwards wasteful
Wales during the national anthem. Wales v Armenia in a UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium on the 16th June 2023. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
It was a heart-breaking end to Wales’ Euro 2024 qualifying campaign as they missed out on a place in Germany with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out loss to Poland.
After 120 goalless minutes Daniel James’ missed penalty sealed their fate in a battle that saw neither side able to threaten the opposition enough.
Here is our look at the player ratings from tonight’s tough defeat in Cardiff.
Danny Ward – 6
It was a quiet night for the Wales shot stopper and there wasn’t a whole lot he could do about the clinical Poland penalties.
Connor Roberts – 6
It was a solid night from Roberts at full back with him not having a lot to do in the game. He was subbed off in the 84th minute after suffering from an injury being replaced by David Brooks. He did his job well whilst on the field.
Joe Rodon – 7
Embed from Getty ImagesHe was solid all night at the back for Wales and made some huge headed clearances that could have been golden opportunities for Poland otherwise.
Chris Mepham – 4
The Bournemouth man seen himself sent off late into the game for two yellow cards. He didn’t do an awful lot wrong in the game but it could have cost the side late into extra time.
Ben Davies (c) – 7
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Wales captain again leading by example with some big challenges including a vital one to stop Lewandowski on a breakaway. He was first to step up to the spot for Wales and calmly slotted down the middle.
Neco Williams – 6
He was dangerous at moments down the left hand side but didn’t do enough to trouble the Poland defence. He did step up and slot away the fourth penalty.
Jordan James – 6
Another mature performance in a huge fixture from the 19-year old. James would have gained valuable experience in the game that will benefit him in future international fixtures.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
A solid night from the now-veteran Wales midfielder. He didn’t stop running although he probably didn’t have the effect he would have wished on the game. Would have been good to see him take a penalty.
Harry Wilson – 5
The Fulham man wasn’t his usual creative self and despite having a handful of small chances to affect the game he didn’t trouble the Poland defence enough. He did step up and finish his penalty well.
Brennan Johnson – 5
It was a relatively quiet night from the Spurs forward. He had spells of tidy footwork and dribbling in possession but overall didn’t offer enough to threaten the Poland defence. He was replaced on the 70th minute by Daniel James.
Kieffer Moore – 5
It was a wasteful night from the Cymru forward with him squandering a number of chances, alongside forcing a great save from Szczesny early in the second half. Overall Moore will be disappointed he didn’t get on the scoresheet. He did score a great penalty even if it was a bit too close for comfort.
Embed from Getty ImagesDaniel James – 4
A heartbreaking night for the Leeds United winger. He missed the decisive penalty that sent Wales out and didn’t have the desired effect off the bench during the game.
David Brooks – 5
Brooks made his way on to the field in the 84th minute and was substituted again in second half extra time for Nathan Broadhead. He didn’t have many opportunities to affect the game during his time on the field.
Nathan Broadhead – 5
A late substitute for Wales and did his job effectively of relieving late pressure on the defence. It would have been nice to see him step up for a penalty.
