Poland 2-1 Wales: Robert Page’s side suffer defeat ahead of Sunday’s World Cup play-off final

This was the first of five Wales games in the space of 14 days although only one really matters.

Sunday’s World Cup play-off final with Scotland or Ukraine is, in manager Robert Page’s own words, the ‘biggest game in Welsh history’ with his team just one win away from the Qatar tournament.

Page’s selection for this Nations League clash represented the huge importance of the weekend’s fixture. Wales’ star quartet of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ben Davies were all left out to rest on the same day Bale officially confirmed his departure from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

With their best players wrapped in cotton wool, a 2-1 defeat to a strong Poland side captained by Robert Lewandowski was harsh on Wales with the real business to come in Cardiff.

A fine Jonny Williams goal was overturned by two Polish substitute strikes. Wales will still return home ahead of their play-off final full of confidence and, just as importantly, without any serious injuries. Their performance here with a second string side was committed and positive.

Jonny Williams opened the scoring for Wales against Poland in the 52nd minute of the game

Jakub Kaminski (left) found an equaliser for the hosts in the 72nd minute of the game

It promises to be some occasion in the Welsh capital on Sunday with Page’s men boasting home advantage. A win will take them to their first World Cup since 1958.

Kieffer Moore did nod wide early on, but Wales should soon have been behind immediately after a few boos appeared to reverberate around the Tarczynski Arena when both sides took the knee.

Poland’s Piotr Zielinski was given the freedom of the Welsh penalty area but could only head a cross from Leeds’ Mateusz Klich wide. It looked easier to score.

Dylan Levitt had a shot saved and after an early scare, Wales’ reserves settled down. Klich’s Leeds team-mate Dan James scythed through midfield. Moore’s finish didn’t match the run.

Then, the great Lewandowski sprung into life.

He turned Dylan Levitt on the touchline and well inside his own half with an outrageous flick, ran in on goal, and was only denied a wonder goal by Danny Ward.

It was a fine low save from the Wales goalkeeper. The chances kept coming.

Welsh debutant Wes Burns went close and the lively James fired just past the post while Adam Buska failed to connect with a Polish cross at the other end.

Wales removed Ward, James and Moore – all likely starters on Sunday – at the break.

James’ replacement Rabbi Matondo immediately worked Kamil Grabara in the Poland goal.

It soon got even better for the visitors.

Matondo raced forward again and found Williams on the edge of the box. His powerful drive from 25 yards found the bottom corner with Grabara helpless.

But, it was Karol Swiderski who scored the winner against Robert Page’s side on Wednesday

Key players such as Gareth Bale (left) were rested for the Nations League game in Poland

The goal shocked Poland for whom Lewandowski fired wide. The goal machine, who this week confirmed he is poised to leave Bayern Munish, was then flagged to have been offside.

Poland’s frustration was summed up by a booking for Bartosz Bereszynski after he wiped out Matondo in reckless fashion. Wales’ defence needed to stand up to protect the lead.

But after 72 minutes of rearguard action, the resistance crumbled.

Several players were rested as they face Scotland or Ukraine in a World Cup play-off final

Substitute Jakub Kaminski was given too much space in the box by Wales captain Chris Gunter but, to his credit, his turn and finish was exceptional.

Both teams continued to ring the changes and Wales more than deserved a draw but it was not to be. Lewandowski’s shot deflected off captain Chris Gunter and then Rhys Norrington-Davies late on and rebounded around the Welsh box.

Chris Mepham’s desperate attempt to clear Karol Swiderski’s shot off the line was too late.

It was harsh on Wales, but Page’s men have bigger fish to fry and this result won’t impact their preparations for Sunday. The countdown to that game is now on.