MY ACCOUNT
Wales’ second string slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Robert Lewandowski’s Poland in their Nations League clash in Wroclaw.
Rob Page chose to rest key players such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey ahead of their crunch World Cup qualifying play-off final, while the hosts were at full strength.
Wales took the lead as Jonny Williams’ low drive found the net in the second half, but Poland hit back twice in the final 20 minutes through substitutes Jakub Kaminski and Karol Swiderski to claim victory.
Page will be looking to take the positives from his side’s display as they look to secure their spot in Qatar this winter. We look at five talking points from the Dragons’ defeat in Poland.
Wales hold their own
Despite fielding a second string and being without a number of key players, Wales held their own away from home.
They matched Poland for shots (14 each) and were only slightly out-possessed (53%-47%) despite facing a strong line-up.
Page’s men kept the game goalless until early in the second half, and were still on course for a positive result until Swiderski’s winner five minutes from time.
The Dragons boss can take heart from a spirited performance from his second string, and may have learned a little more about which squad players he can trust on the big stage.
Daniel James
Leeds forward Daniel James was one of three players to be replaced with the scores level at the break, along with Kieffer Moore and Danny Ward, with the trio expected to play a part in the play-off final.
Poland’s defenders will have been glad to see the back of the speedster, whose electric pace and willingness to run at his man caused all sorts of problems.
The 24-year-old was perhaps unfortunate not to contribute to what would have been the opening goal in the first half, but his display bodes well for Wales’ upcoming crunch clash.
Rabbi Matondo
If Poland’s back-line thought they were in for a break after James was replaced, however, they were mistaken.
His replacement, Rabbi Matondo, was excellent in the Leeds man’s stead and set up Williams’ opener.
The 21-year-old is unlikely to have forced himself into the starting line-up on Sunday, but he proved that he can be a dangerous option off the bench.
Dylan Levitt
Manchester United youngster Dylan Levitt has enjoyed a fruitful loan spell in Scotland with Dundee United — and his improvement was evident in Wroclaw.
Levitt won all seven of his ground duels, five of his seven tackles and created two chances in an impressive midfield display.
Page will hope the 21-year-old continues to develop in this vein and can cement himself in the national side in years to come.
The back three
While they may have eventually conceded twice in the defeat, the back three of Chris Gunter, Chris Mepham and Rhys Norrington-Davies showed promise.
After all, they managed a feat very few Bundesliga defences can claim to have achieved — keeping Lewandowski off the scoresheet.
Furthermore, they held Poland off on their own turf for 72 minutes before being breached. It may not have been a perfect performance, but it was an encouraging one nonetheless.
