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    Cymru vs. Denmark | 2027 UEFA Nations League – League phase – GrpA4

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        4. BELLAMY ON NATIONS LEAGUE CHALLENGES

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the media following the 1-0 defeat against Denmark and reflected on the match and the extended international window that has seen his side play four competitive games.

          “We started well, but as the game unfolded the intensity started to drop from us, we just couldn’t sustain it,” said Bellamy. “Today we just couldn’t get the energy up enough to have a better say in the game. It was a tough one on the back of Thursday. We don’t have enough players playing week in, week out, especially at the top level.

          “I enjoy it because it’s two weeks with the players, it’s four games against top opposition, so that’s enjoyable. Physically, it makes no sense, it’s a complete disadvantage for us. We have injuries and those players miss four games instead of two, that really tests our squad. It’s designed for the elite nations.

          “We knew what these challenges were going to be, and it’s exciting. Thursday, we went all out, and we’ll get to Sunday when we get to Sunday, but physically we just couldn’t do it.”

        7. MATCH SUMMARY

          Rasmus Højlund was the hero for Denmark in Cardiff as the Napoli striker scored what would prove to be the decisive goal for his side from the penalty spot on 75 minutes.

          Cymru made just one change from the side that defeated Norway 2-1 in Cardiff on Thursday as Brennan Johnson replaced Dan James in the starting line-up. Meanwhile, Denmark made three changes from the side that lost 4-2 at home to Portugal, with the influential Mikkel Damsgaard ruled out through injury.

          Gustav Isaksen impressed for Denmark in the 2-0 win over Cymru a week earlier, and the forward was restored to the starting line-up for this return match. However, it was his strike partner Højlund that asked the majority of questions of the Cymru defence in the early exchanges, and would later decide the match.

          Denmark received a blow after just 10 minutes when captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was forced off through injury, but the visitors quickly regrouped with Højlund, Isaksen and Morten Hjulmand all having efforts on the Cymru goal. Mohamed Daramy was also proving to be a constant problem for Cymru on the left.

          At the other end of the field, the pace of Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson caused problems for the Danes, but they did enough defensively to deny the home side from creating any clear chances on goal. Denmark finished the opening half the stronger of the two teams, with Oliver Provstgaard heading over from close range with their best opportunity.

          The visitors continued to cause problems for Cymru straight from the kick-off, with only a last-ditch tackle from Ethan Ampadu denying Daramy a chance on goal. While minutes later, goalkeeper Danny Ward had to be at his absolute best to prevent Højlund from putting the Danes ahead from point-blank range.

          Ward then pulled off another superb save when it seemed that Isaksen’s header was heading for the corner of the net, with Denmark looking increasingly dangerous. However, Cymru could have taken the lead on 63 minutes as Thomas found Johnson at the far post, but his effort narrowly cleared the crossbar.

          The key moment of the match occurred on 75 minutes when Ward brought down Isaksen in the area and Højlund made no mistake from the resulting penalty. It would prove decisive and ultimately handed Denmark a deserved three points on a disappointing night for Cymru in the capital.

        8. FULL-TIME VERDICT

          A penalty from Rasmus Højlund on 75 minutes proved decisive in this competitive contest as Cymru slipped to a 1-0 defeat. Denmark created the better chances despite not taking the lead until late in the match, and while Cymru did ask questions of their own at the other end of the field, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was rarely troubled. The pace of Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson created the best chances for the home side, but Denmark were denied by two superb saves from Danny Ward early in the 2nd half and overall were good value for their victory. Craig Bellamy now has a few weeks to regroup and prepare his squad for the final two group games against Norway and Portugal next month.

        9. 90' + 2'

          A final push for Cymru to level the score in these final exchanges.

        10. 83'

          Substitution

          MOORE Kieffer Roberto Francisco replaces DAVIES Benjamin Thomas

        11. 82'

          Cymru won’t be disappointed to see Højlund leave the field, the striker has looked dangerous throughout the night and scored from the penalty spot.

        12. 82'

          Substitution

          Mathias Kvistgaarden replaces Gustav Isaksen

        13. 82'

          Substitution

          Kasper Høgh replaces Rasmus Højlund

        14. 80'

          Yellow card

          THOMAS Sorba

        15. Can Cymru find an equaliser in the final 10 minutes?

        16. 76'

          Substitution

          COLWILL Joel replaces CULLEN Liam Jamie

        17. 76'

          Substitution

          COLWILL Joel replaces CULLEN Liam Jamie

        18. 76'

          Substitution

          BURNS Wesley replaces JOHNSON Brennan

        19. 76'

          Substitution

          Anton Gaaei replaces Rasmus Kristensen

        20. 75'

          Denmark take the lead as Højlund converts from the spot.

        21. 75'

          Penalty

          Rasmus Højlund

        22. 73'

          Penalty to Denmark as Ward brings down Isaksen in the area.

        23. Cymru defend a Denmark free-kick

        24. 70'

          A few positive moments for Cymru, but Denmark look dangerous on the counter-attack with the pace of Daramy in particular causing problems.

        25. 66'

          Yellow card

          CABANGO Benjamin

        26. 65'

          A chance for Harris from another testing cross from Thomas but the substitute fails to connect with his header.

        27. 63'

          A decent chance for Cymru as a good cross from Thomas to the back post is controlled by Johnson but he can only fire his effort over the bar.

        28. 60'

          The Red Wall showing their appreciation for Ward and Ampadu, but it’s Denmark that are looking the most likely to open the scoring in this one.

        29. Danny Ward has made two excellent 2nd half saves to deny Denmark

        30. 56'

          Substitution

          HARRIS Mark replaces KOUMAS Lewis

        31. 56'

          Substitution

          SHEEHAN Joshua Luke replaces JAMES Jordan Anthony

        32. 55'

          What a save from Ward to deny Isaksen from heading his side in front. Denmark are really pushing for the opening goal as Cymru make a double substitution.

        33. 50'

          Big chance for Denmark but Ward saves from Højlund at point-blank range. The best chance of the match so far.

        34. 47'

          An important tackle from Ampadu there on Daramy. Cymru were almost caught cold there.

        35. 46'

          We’re back underway as Cymru kick-off the 2nd half. No changes at half-time from either side.

        36. HALF-TIME VERDICT

          Both teams have shown a positive approach in this opening half, but it was the Danes that finished the stronger as they created a string of chances. Gustav Isaksen and Rasmus Højlund have looked particularly dangerous for the visitors despite not really testing Cymru goalkeeper Danny Ward, while Oliver Provstgaard headed over from close range in the final moments of the half. Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson have delivered crosses into the Denmark penalty area, but the Danes have defended well and will be the happier of the two sides heading into half-time despite losing captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg to injury early on.

        37. 45'

          The Danes really pushing for a goal now as Provstgaard heads over from close range.

        38. 41'

          Another good chance for Isaksen again but the striker fails to find the target from the edge of the area.

        39. 40'

          Denmark definitely asking more questions than Cymru now as Isaksen heads over the bar

        40. 39'

          Daramy with a dangerous run into the area but Ampadu is there to clean-up.

        41. 34'

          The pace of the game has certainly dropped off during the last few minutes. Cymru enjoying a period of possession after conceding a couple of decent chances to the Danes.

        42. 32'

          Højlund had far too much time and space in the Cymru area there but his effort was eventually blocked, the Napoli forward looks up for it this evening.

        43. 29'

          Yellow card

          CULLEN Liam Jamie

        44. Sorba Thomas makes a forward run

        45. 23'

          Another decent chance for Denmark from a corner but Hjulmand heads wide.

        46. 21'

          A decent chance for Denmark as Højlund finds Isaksen in space in the area but the striker scuffs his effort wide of the post.

        47. 19'

          A good run from Johnson who finds Koumas in the area but Denmark defend well.

        48. Ethan Ampadu on the ball

        49. 15'

          A fairly even contest so far. Both teams have been positive in their approach without having any really clear chances on goal.

        50. 12'

          Thomas has already delivered a couple of excellent crosses into the Danish penalty area. This was a potent weapon for Cymru on Thursday night.

        51. 10'

          A key moment for Denmark as captain Højbjerg is forced off through injury.

        52. 10'

          Substitution

          Andreas Skov Olsen replaces Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

        53. The Cymru starting line-up

        54. 6'

          Højlund with an effort but he fails to get a good connection and Ward claims comfortably. A decent early spell of possession this for Denmark.

        55. 5'

          Ampadu with the first effort on goal but his shot clears Hermansen’s crossbar.

        56. 4'

          Isaksen scored for Denmark against Cymru in Copenhagen last week and will be one for Bellamy’s side to watch this evening.

        57. 1'

          Denmark kick-off. C’mon Cymru!

        58. The national anthem never disappoints here in Cardiff. The Red Wall played an important role in the win over Norway and Cymru will need them behind the side again tonight.

        59. The two teams are about to emerge from the tunnel. It’s an important night in League A4 with Portugal also hosting Norway.

        61. Jay Dasilva impressed in the victory over Norway on Thursday and keeps his place in the starting line-up.

        63. The Cymru squad have arrived at the Cardiff City Stadium.

        65. TEAM NEWS

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has made just one change to his starting line-up from the side that defeated Norway 2-1 here at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday night.

          Brennan Johnson replaces Dan James in the only change to the first XI as Cymru look to avenge their 2-0 defeat to Denmark in Copenhagen a week ago.

          Meanwhile, Denmark make three changes from the side that lost 4-2 at home to Portugal on Thursday as Rasmus Kristensen, Victor Froholdt and Gustav Isaksen start.

          Mikkel Damsgaard, who scored Denmark’s first goal against Portugal, misses out through injury, while Isaksen scored in the 2-0 in over Cymru last week.

        68. -100'

          The Red Wall are making their way to the stadium.

        70. The Cardiff City Stadium ahead of Cymru v Denmark in the UEFA Nations League this evening. Team news to follow as Craig Bellamy’s side play their fourth group match.

        72. RIEMER ON CYMRU TEST

          Denmark head coach Brien Reimer spoke to the media yesterday about the opening three games of this UEFA Nations League campaign and the challenge of taking on Cymru in Cardiff.

          “There is no doubt that we have conceded too many goals,” said Reimer. “Both the squad and the coaching staff know this. It is something we take very seriously, and we are working hard on it in the video room. Some are down to individual errors, while others are down to team tactics that we can improve upon.

          “It’s great to be here in Wales. We expect an intense atmosphere tomorrow. They are a team that has been somewhat underrated from the start, but they have achieved great results under Craig Bellamy. We are here to win. It is a very important match for both us and Wales.”

        75. DAVIES ON NATIONS LEAGUE CHALLENGE

          Cymru captain Ben Davies also spoke to the media on Saturday ahead of the return match against Denmark at the Cardiff City Stadium this evening.

          “We don’t want to be in a situation where you feel like you’re not competing against bigger teams,” said Davies. “But I thought we laid a good marker down the other night to show that we do belong playing against these teams. It was a much better all-round performance.

          “I think we really got back to what’s got us to success and got us into the Nations League A in the first place. Hopefully we can replicate that.

          “The teams at this level are all strong. All the games are going to be tough but we’re here to compete and here to try to give the best account of us that we can.

          “I thought we did that the other night and it was really pleasing to get the three points. It gives us, as a group, a lot of confidence going into the games coming up.”

        76. PAPER ROUND

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy features on the back pages this morning as Cymru take on Denmark in the fourth match of this UEFA Nations League campaign.

          “We have to perform like we did against Norway,” said Bellamy when he spoke to the media yesterday. “That’s all I’m thinking about again – consistency and perform, perform, perform.”

        80. BELLAMY ON GROUP SITUATION

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the media on Saturday and reflected on the opening three games of the group.

          “Basically, the group’s exploded now between the three of us because, obviously, Denmark will look at it and say, well, they didn’t expect that, so we all sit on three points apart from Portugal,” said Bellamy.

          “Portugal have run away with this, and they’re going to win the group. Now can we really be in the mix with these two heavyweight Scandinavian teams? That’s the aim. We’ll see where that goes.

          “We have to perform like we did against Norway. That’s all I’m thinking about again – consistency and perform, perform, perform. We see the level when we’re playing against teams who are pot one, so if we don’t have to play another pot one, then it’s nice.

          “It’s a real motivation, of course. That would really help us.”

        83. FINAL PREP

          The Cymru squad completed their final preparation of this extended international window on Saturday ahead of the return match against Denmark at the Cardiff City Stadium.

          Cymru claimed their first win of this UEFA Nations League campaign on Thursday as goals from Dan James and Neco Williams claimed a 2-1 win over Norway.

        85. THE LAST WIN OVER DENMARK

          The last four matches between Cymru and Denmark have ended in victory for the Danes, while Cymru’s last win over Sunday’s opponents was back in November 2008.

          Manager John Toshack took his side to Copenhagen for a friendly against a Danish side that included the likes of former Liverpool defender Daniel Agger and former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.

          Included in the Cymru starting line-up were current coach Ashley Williams (below), Chris Gunter, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale, but it was current head coach Craig Bellamy who decided the match with his 77th minute goal in the 1-0 victory.

        88. DAN JAMES ON DENMARK

          After scoring the equaliser for Cymru in the 2-1 win over Norway on Thursday night, Dan James spoke to Sgorio about the return match against Denmark at the Cardiff City Stadium.

          “Denmark are another great team,” said James. “Obviously we didn’t perform well against them (in the 2-0 defeat last week) but they’re a really good side and they were the much better side against us.

          “Three days later, we’ve just got to got and put in another good performance again. Thankfully we’ve got off the mark tonight and we have to play with the same freedom on Sunday.

          “It’s another tough game but all of us are looking forward to it.”

        90. MEET THE REF

          Irfan Peljto of Bosnia and Herzegovina will take charge of the match between Cymru and Denmark at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday (7:45pm).

          The 42-year-old has been a FIFA Referee since 2015 and was part of the refereeing team at UEFA EURO 2024. He also took charge of the FIFA World Cup qualifier between Belgium and Cymru in Brussels in June 2025 that finished 4-3 to the home side.

          That same year, Peljto made history by becoming the first Bosnian to referee a UEFA club competition final as he took charge of the Conference League Final between Chelsea and Real Betis.

          Senad Ibrišimbegović and Davor Beljo are the Assistant Referees while Miloš Gigovic is the Fourth Official. All of the on-field officials are from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

          Ivan Bebek is the VAR and he will be assisted by Fran Jović. Both VAR are from Croatia.

        91. WILLIAMS ON DENMARK REDEMPTION

          Cymru hero Neco Williams spoke to Sgorio after the second goal in the 2-1 win over Norway on Thursday night about the challenge of facing Denmark for a second time in this international window.

          Denmark claimed a 2-0 win over Cymru in Copenhagen last weekend in what was a disappointing performance from Craig Bellamy’s side.

          “I’m quite glad we’re playing Denmark again,” said Williams. “It wasn’t a good performance from us the other day, we gave them far too much respect, and that was on us.

          “The better team won on the day, but now we have the chance to put it right and show who we are and how good we can be as a nation.”

        92. PREVIOUS MEETINGS

          There have been 12 previous fixtures between Cymru and Denmark, with the Danes winning the last four.

          The most recent match took place less than a week ago as the two nations came together in Copenhagen. It was a tough night for Cymru as an own goal from Ben Davies and a strike from Gustav Isaksen (below) earned the home side a 2-0 victory.

          Cymru also lost the very first match against Denmark, a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 1964 in Copenhagen that finished 1-0 to the home side. However, Dave Bowen’s side made amends in the return match a year later as Roy Vernon scored twice in a 4-2 win in Wrexham.

          Cymru would also win the next match between the two nations in September 1987 as Mark Hughes scored the only goal of the game at Ninian Park in EURO qualifying. However, Denmark would match that scoreline the following month.

          Denmark would also win a friendly international against Cymru 1-0 in 1990 and it would be almost a decade until the two teams would meet again when they were drawn together in EURO 2000 qualifying.

          The opening match would take place in Copenhagen and it was current head coach Craig Bellamy who scored the late winner in a 2-1 victory for Bobby Gould’s side. The return match would take place at Anfield, Liverpool the following year, with Denmark claiming a 2-0 win.

          Bellamy would once again score the winner against Denmark in a November friendly in 2008 as Cymru claimed a fourth victory over their opponents with a 1-0 win. However, Denmark would then win the next four fixtures between the two countries.

          Drawn together for the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League, Denmark did the double over Cymru in 2018 as a 2-0 win in Aarhus in September was followed by a 2-1 victory in Cardiff in November, with Gareth Bale scoring a late consolation goal.

          The highest-profile match between Cymru and Denmark took place in Amsterdam in the Round of 16 at EURO 2020. Played in June 2021, it proved to be a tough test for Rob Page’s side as the Danes scored two late goals to complete a 4-0 win and progress to the last eight.

        93. AS IT STANDS

          Cymru and Denmark head into Sunday’s Group A4 match tied with Norway on three points while Portugal maintained their perfect start to the campaign with three wins from three.

          Craig Bellamy’s side claimed a memorable 2-1 victory over Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday night despite falling behind to an early goal from Oscar Bobb. Dan James and Neco Williams then turned the game in Cymru’s favour.

          Meanwhile, Denmark suffered a 4-2 defeat to Portugal in Copenhagen. It was the Danes second defeat in the group after losing 3-2 to Norway on the opening night.

          Portugal are the most successful team in the history of the UEFA Nations League having won the competition twice, and are now favourites to progress to the finals as group winners.

        94. There is no live report available for this match

        Lineups

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