After losing at home to Poland, Wales was relegated from the top tier of the Nations League.
The visitors, who just needed a draw to beat Wales to survival, got the best of a physical, goalless first half in which tempers boiled more frequently than chances for either team to score were created.
As an hour, Poland rightfully took the lead after captain Robert Lewandowski’s exquisite touch allowed Karol Swiderski to finish between Wayne Hennessey’s legs and elicit thunderous applause from the loud traveling supporters.
Brennan Johnson’s low drive was expertly stopped by Wojciech Szczesny, and in extra time, Gareth Bale headed against the crossbar as Wales had chances to tie the score.
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But Lewandowski’s motivation was a valuable deciding contribution in a game that otherwise wasn’t very good.
In their debut season at the top level of the Nations League, Wales finishes last in Group A4 with just one point from six games, although they are in good company considering that teams like England also relegated to the second tier.
Even if Robert Page’s team would have like to stay in the top division, their biggest obstacle is still ahead of them.
Wales’ next game against the United States on November 21 in Qatar will mark their first World Cup match in 64 years.
