Poland One Step Closer
Maciej Zurawski converted a penalty in the 54th minute Wednesday to guide Poland to a 1-0 win over Wales and extend its lead atop Group 6 in World Cup qualifying.
Poland is guaranteed second place and a playoff spot, but must wait until its final qualifying match against England to know if it will automatically advance to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Poland leads the group with 24 points, five ahead of England, which has played a game less.
England plays Austria on Oct. 8 before hosting Poland four days later in Manchester.
Zurawski, who injured his leg in training Monday and was doubtful for the match, scored from the spot after Wales defender Richard Duffy took down Kamil Kosowski in the box.
The visitors' best chance came in the 89th, but substitute Simon Davies wasted his opportunity from 15 yards by shooting over the bar. Wales has now not scored in its last four qualifying matches.