Wales have failed to retain their place in League A of the UEFA Nations League after losing to Poland by a 1-0 scoreline on Sunday evening.
The Dragons went into the contest in Cardiff knowing that only a win would do if they wanted to remain among European football's elite for the next edition of this competition.
However, a goal just before the hour mark from Karol Swiderski left Wales chasing the game ahead of the closing 30 minutes, ultimately proving decisive as the visitors secured third spot in League A Group 4.
Robert Page's side lose their top-tier status at the first time of asking having collected just one point from their six matches.
Each of those defeats came by a one-goal margin, two of which came through conceding last-gasp goals, and they were eventually decisive as Poland took advantage of the scenario in front of them.
🎙 "The flick there from Lewandowski is outstanding."
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) September 25, 2022
Poland lead through Karol Swiderski and an incredible assist from Robert Lewandowski. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5K5Ly0igLk
Both teams had squandered opportunities before Poland opened the scoring in the 57th minute, Robert Lewandowski flicking the ball onto Swiderski who finished past Wayne Hennessey inside the penalty area.
Page made the decision to go all-out attack, introducing Kieffer Moore to join the likes of Daniel James, Brennan Johnson and Gareth Bale in the final third.
Despite the greater attempt to create something, Wales were not as threatening as Page would have liked, with only Bale going close with a header that hit the crossbar.
Wales will now start to look ahead to their first World Cup since 1958, where they have been drawn in a group alongside England, United States and Iran.
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