Lewandowski 'anger' and Moldova 'humiliation' - Poland's route to Wales Euro play-off

Poland have endured a turbulent qualifying campaign with a change of manager and some poor results

Wales and Poland will meet in Tuesday's Euro 2024 play-off final in Cardiff knowing they are one win away from this summer's tournament in Germany.

Wales saw off Finland 4-1 and Poland thrashed Estonia 5-1 in their semi-finals - but the final is expected to be an altogether tighter affair.

Robert Page and his players seem confident of reaching a third successive European Championship - but what about Poland?

BBC Sport Wales assesses Wales' opponents for Tuesday's huge encounter.

'Biggest humiliation ever' - Poland's campaign so far

Poland tend to start most qualifying campaigns with high expectations, and that was certainly the case this time after they had reached the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.

In fact, the only two games the Poles lost in Qatar were against eventual champions Argentina, in the group stage, and runners-up France in the second round.

However, they lost their opening Euro 2024 qualifier to the Czech Republic in Fernando Santos' first game in charge.

Although Poland beat Albania next and showed some promise with a friendly win over Germany, they then suffered an embarrassing defeat away against group minnows Moldova.

"The game against Moldova was the biggest humiliation ever," says Polish journalist Maciej Kaliszuk of Przeglad Sportowy Onet.

"Poland had never been beaten in a competitive game against such a low-ranked team in the whole history of Polish football."

Moldova celebrate their 3-2 win over Poland last June - having trailed 2-0 at half-time

When Poland followed that with another humbling loss in Albania, former Portugal manager Santos was sacked.

"It was a disaster," says Kaliszuk. "Santos was a huge disappointment.

"When he signed people were happy but quite soon we saw there was no chemistry between Santos and the players or the association.

"He was criticised, he was sacked and people were satisfied."

Santos was succeeded by current Poland boss Michal Probierz but there were further setbacks to come, most notably a 1-1 draw at home to Moldova.

Poland limped to third place in Group E, with Albania and the Czech Republic taking the automatic qualification spots.

But, like Wales, thanks to the Nations League, Poland had the back-up option of the play-offs and made light work of Estonia in their semi-final on Thursday.

'Lewandowski still the star but not as popular among fans'

Former Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has scored more than 600 goals during a stellar career

As Gareth Bale was once the face of Welsh football, you cannot mention the Polish national team without thinking of their captain, most capped player and record goalscorer Robert Lewandowski.

The 35-year-old Barcelona striker is an icon in his homeland but it seems he might not be adored like he once was.

"Everything used to depend on him but in the qualifiers he was as disappointing as other players," says Kaliszuk.

"What did not help was a widely reported row over bonuses that also saw some verbal infighting between squad members, including Lewandowski, who was also said to have criticised team-mates' mentality in interviews.

"People have been angry with him although he is a big star and still at a big club in Barcelona.

"Our fans vote for Polish sportsman of the year and this year he was in 17th place. For the first time since 2010 he wasn't in the top 10, so it was quite amazing. Although he's still the best player, fans didn't vote for him.

"Of course, he is the best player. Even when he didn't play well, nobody said to get rid of him.

"We need him in best shape, it's crucial. Against Estonia we knew we could win without him [Lewandowski played but did not score], now we need the real Lewandowski against Wales.

"Although he's not as popular as he used to be among fans, he's still the player everybody expects to be the leader of the team. Without him in good shape, it will be very difficult."

Who are the other key players?

As ever, Poland's squad is full of players who play their club football in Europe's top leagues.

Jakub Kiwior tends to play as a central defender for his national team but it has been at left-back where he has made a name for himself at Premier League leaders Arsenal this season.

Juventus goalkeeper and former Gunner Wojciech Szczesny boasts a wealth of experience, while Southampton's Jan Bednarek is another familiar face in the Polish defence.

Poland might have an issue at right-back, though, with Aston Villa's Matty Cash a doubt after suffering an injury during the play-off semi-final win over Estonia.

Further up the field, there is plenty of quality in the form of Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinksi, a Serie A winner and Champions League regular who scored against Estonia.

And while Verona striker Karol Swiderski might not be the biggest name, it was his goal which gave Poland a 1-0 Nations League win over Wales at Cardiff City Stadium in September 2022 - thanks to a fine assist by who else but Lewandowski.