Wales join England in suffering relegation from Nations League group as Robert Lewandowski provides silky assist in Poland victory

Wales suffered the identical destiny as England with Nations League relegation as they fell to a 1-0 defeat towards Poland.

Rob Web page’s facet will comply with England, who they face on the World Cup in Qatar, into League B of the following version of the match.

Wales needed to win to avoid relegation but lost 1-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium

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Wales wanted to win to keep away from relegation however misplaced 1-0 on the Cardiff Metropolis Stadium

Lewandowski didn’t score but played a role in Poland’s win

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Lewandowski didn’t rating however performed a job in Poland’s win

The successful aim was scored Karol Swiderski, who slotted the ball beneath Wayne Hennessey.

He was given the straightforward end due to a cultured second from Robert Lewandowski, who supplied the help as he deftly teed Swiderski up by expertly taking the sting out of a strong ball from the left.

However Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny performed an even bigger position in denying Wales the win with plenty of saves.

In the meantime, Gareth Bale was denied in stoppage-time as his highly effective header got here again off the crossbar.

This was Wales’ last recreation earlier than their first at a World Cup for 64 years, their Qatar opener towards america on November 21 being lower than two months away.

Skipper Bale returned to the beginning line-up to win his 108th cap, only one wanting Chris Gunter’s males’s nationwide workforce document.

Game recognises game. Lewandowski and Bale hugged and had a chat at full time

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Recreation recognises recreation. Lewandowski and Bale hugged and had a chat at full time

A disappointing night for Page’s side but all the focus now turns to the World Cup

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A disappointing evening for Web page’s facet however all the main target now turns to the World Cup


Bale was a second-half substitute in Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Belgium after arriving late on camp from America due to his playing commitments at Los Angeles FC.

The 33-year-old completed his first 90 minutes since the World Cup qualifier against Estonia last September.

Wales were depleted, with suspended pair Chris Mepham and Ethan Ampadu joining injured quartet Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies, Harry Wilson and Joe Allen on the sidelines.

Ben Cabango, Joe Morrell and Dylan Levitt also stepped up from the bench in Brussels, with Kieffer Moore – Wales’ goalscorer in Belgium – among the substitutes.

Poland, 26 on the FIFA rankings and seven places below Wales, were led by Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowksi and in need of a World Cup tonic themselves following some stuttering form.

Lewandowski couldn’t add to his 76 goals for the Poland national team

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Lewandowski couldn’t add to his 76 targets for the Poland nationwide workforce

There was a quick tempo to the opening exchanges however few openings in a full of life first half notable for the period of time Poland gamers spent on the ground.

The guests’ willingness to go to floor, and keep there, angered dwelling followers and raised the temperature contained in the Cardiff Metropolis Stadium.

Swiderski nearly pounced as Joe Rodon let the ball run again in the direction of his personal aim.

However the first aim try took 25 minutes to reach when Lewandowski met a cross together with his shoulder, somewhat than his head, and Wayne Hennessey safely gathered.

Wales’ first likelihood got here when Cabango’s clearance allowed the speedy Daniel James to dash into area.

James’ effort was blocked by Wojciech Szczesny, and the Juventus goalkeeper kicked away the winger’s follow-up cross with an outstretched leg.

Wales asked enough questions but Szczesny was in great form

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Wales requested sufficient questions however Szczesny was in nice type

The competition was all of the sudden opening up and Szczesny was out from his aim to smother after Connor Roberts’ lengthy throw had discovered Bale.

Hennessey nearly suffered embarrassment after letting a again move roll beneath his foot. The goalkeeper needed to stretch an extended limb on the goal-line earlier than clearing beneath stress from Lewandowski.

Piotr Zielinski’s 20-yard shot induced fewer alarms, and Wales got here near taking the lead when Brennan Johnson’s effort struck James and fell inches huge of the publish with Szczesny crushed.

The impasse was damaged after 57 minutes, and it owed as a lot to the brilliance of Lewandowski because the skilled ending of Swiderski.

Lewandowski’s elegant flick freed Swiderski for a managed shot that went by the legs of Hennessey.

Swiderski slid in Poland’s winner

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Swiderski slid in Poland’s winner

And it came thanks to Lewandowski’s clever assist

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And it got here due to Lewandowski’s intelligent help

Wales nearly replied immediately as Johnson wriggled free for a shot which Szczesny tipped round a publish.

Moore and Rubin Colwill had been despatched on as Wales went for broke.

Szczesny confirmed his agility once more to disclaim James and Rodon headed over, and Wales knew their luck was out when Bale’s header bounced again off the bar.

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