Four Leeds United players suffered heartbreak on Tuesday night as Wales failed to qualify for the Euro 2024.
The Whites winger Daniel James missed a crucial penalty as Wales lost against Poland in Cardiff in the play-off final. Wales were arguably the better team on the night, with Connor Roberts producing a brilliant performance.
Leeds duo Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon were also terrific on the night as Poland failed to register a single shot on target.
James looked devastated as he missed the only penalty of the game. However, Wales players rallied around him to make him comfortable. James stepped up to take the decisive spot-kick which shows he was brave enough to take the responsibility.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny guessed it correctly on James’ effort and dived low to the right to end Waless’ hopes.
According to Wales Online, Leeds defender, Rodon, “stared at the ground in disbelief”, while midfielder Ampadu looked “distraught.” Kieffer Moore and Danny Ward hugged him and consoled James after his penalty miss.
Disappointing night for Leeds United players
Throughout the history of the game, legendary players have missed crucial penalties, and it can happen to anyone. It is a painful moment for James and other Leeds players but they have to forget the incident quickly and focus on the job ahead.
James has been brilliant for the Whites this season. He has managed 12 goals and seven assists in 24 starts in the Championship. After he got injured, Daniel Farke used Willy Gnonto in his place, and the Italian grabbed the opportunities with both hands.
Since then, James has found it hard to break into the first team. He still scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Stoke City and also scored in the 2-0 win over Millwall before the international break.
Farke will want his key players to be on top of their game as they are in a great position to secure an automatic promotion. Leeds will travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford in the Championship on Friday.
