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Page confident he can take Wales forward

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Rob Page insists he is the right man to lead Wales forward despite their agonising Euro 2024 play-off defeat to Poland last night.

Dan James’ miss in the shoot-out saw Poland advance 5-4 after a goalless 120 minutes in Cardiff.

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Inevitably it has led to questions about Page’s future but asked if he feels he can take Wales to major tournaments in the future, he replied: “Absolutely.

“We’re a team in transition and, while we’re in transition, we’re one penalty kick away from qualifying.

“We’ve got games in June, Nations League in the autumn and then the start of a World Cup qualifying campaign.

“So that’s my full focus now, building on what we’ve already started and the transition we’re in at this moment in time.”

Wales edged a cagey encounter, Ben Davies seeing a goal chalked off by VAR for offside while Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made an impressive save to deny Kieffer Moore.

But following nine successful penalties in the shoot-out, Leeds United winger James was the unfortunate man to see his shot saved by Szczesny.

“I’m absolutely gutted for them,” Page said.

“It’s a horrible way to go out. It’s a cruel game. I’m really disappointed right now but I’m really proud of them.

“That was the message in the changing room. For the campaign overall and the journey we’re on, I couldn’t be more proud.

“It’s a horrible way to go out but hopefully we’ll learn and become stronger for having gone through the horrible experiences of tonight.”

Poland joined Ukraine and Georgia in advancing to Euro 2024.

They will take their place in Group D alongside the Netherlands, Austria and France.

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.

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