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

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        6. AMPADU ON FRUSTRATING DEFEAT

          Cymru midfielder Ethan Ampadu spoke to BBC Sport Wales following the 2-0 defeat.

          “Playing against a good team away is always going to be difficult in Group A, but we didn’t really reach our levels. We gave everything we could but we could have been tighter on the ball, especially in regains, transitions.

          “We pride ourselves on being difficult to beat at set pieces. We worked so hard on it and today we just didn’t defend well enough. It’s something we’ll have to look back on to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

        8. MATCH SUMMARY

          Denmark claimed a 2-0 victory in Copenhagen to leave Criag Bellamy’s side without a point or a goal from their opening two games in this group.

          Bellamy made six changes to his starting line-up from the side that lost 1-0 to Portugal in Lisbon on Thursday night, while his Danish counterpart, Brian Riemer, made just one change following their 3-2 defeat against Norway.

          Charlie Savage was amongst those brought into midfield for his first competitive start for his country, but it was Denmark who dominated the early exchanges with Patrick Dorgu and Mikkel Damsgaard causing problems for the Cymru defence.

          Sorba Thomas offered Bellamy’s side an outlet on the left but opportunities for him to get on the ball were few and far between as Gustav Isaksen, Dorgu and Damsgaard all had chances for the home side, without testing Danny Ward.

          The big talking point of the opening half occurred on 24 minutes as a superb counter-attack from Denmark resulted in Isaksen scoring a superb left foot volley. However, the celebrations were cut short as a VAR review confirmed that Rasmus Højlund was offside in the build-up.

          Denmark were not dented by the decision and Damsgaard hit the post minutes later. Dorgu was forced to leave the field on the half-hour mark, and it was time for Cymru to make an impression on the match. On 33 minutes, Thomas fired an excellent shot narrowly wide of goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen’s far post.

          Cymru were growing in confidence, and after Brennan Johnson drilled a free-kick wide of the post, he turned provider for Connor Roberts who forced Jørgensen into making a fine save before referee Willy Delajod brought a frantic and entertaining half to an end.

          Following the restart, Neco Williams saw his deflected effort saved by Jørgensen as Cymru started brightly, but it didn’t take long for Denmark to regain control with substitute Mohamed Daramy having his effort blocked before the home side eventually took the lead.

          A testing free-kick from Damsgaard on 53 minutes was turned into his own net by Cymru captain Ben Davies as he challenged Højlund for the ball. It was a huge blow for the visitors, and a second goal should have followed soon after as Daramy failed to convert a simple chance at the back post.

          The Danes doubled their lead on 65 minutes as Cymru failed to deal with another Damsgaard free-kick and it was the impressive Isaksen who fired the ball past Ward. The Cymru goalkeeper was called into action again to make a decent save from Daramy ten minutes later.

          Cymru did create more opportunities before the final whistle, with Roberts once again being denied by Jørgensen before Williams headed over the bar. However, Denmark could have made it a more convincing victory as Oliver Provstgaard headed wide before Højlund had a goal ruled out for offside.

        9. FULL-TIME VERDICT

          Denmark claimed maximum points in Copenhagen as a 2nd half strike from Gustav Isaksen and an own goal from Cymru captain Ben Davies sealed a 2-0 win. Isaksen had an earlier goal ruled out following a VAR review, but Denmark controlled matters for long periods and created the better chances overall. There were positive moments for Cymru, with Connor Roberts twice testing goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen while Sorba Thomas saw two of his efforts go narrowly wide of the post. However, Cymru are left searching for their first point and first goal in this League A campaign, and now return to Cardiff to take on Norway and Denmark for a second time.

        10. 90' + 3'

          A great save from Ward there to deny Denmark a third goal.

        11. 90'

          The Danish fans are celebrating victory as the match heads into added time.

        12. 87'

          Substitution

          Kasper Høgh replaces Rasmus Højlund

        13. 87'

          Substitution

          Victor Froholdt replaces Mikkel Damsgaard

        14. 87'

          Substitution

          Victor Froholdt replaces Mikkel Damsgaard

        15. 87'

          Substitution

          Kasper Høgh replaces Rasmus Højlund

        16. 86'

          Denmark denied a third goal as Højlund is flagged offside after firing the ball past Ward.

        17. 83'

          Substitution

          BURNS Wesley replaces JOHNSON Brennan

        18. 83'

          Substitution

          BURNS Wesley replaces JOHNSON Brennan

        19. Cymru captain Ben Davies

        20. 81'

          Denmark are back on the front foot. Daramy’s shot is blocked by Roberts before Provstgaard heads wide from the resulting corner.

        21. 79'

          A chance for Williams but his header clears Jørgensen’s crossbar. This is a positive spell for Cymru.

        22. 78'

          Cymru enjoying an extended period of possession to take the pressure off the defence. A goal now could make it very interesting.

        23. 76'

          Substitution

          Adam Daghim replaces Gustav Isaksen

        24. 76'

          Substitution

          Adam Daghim replaces Gustav Isaksen

        25. 75'

          Cymru are not giving up on this one. Roberts with his second effort of the game but Jørgensen denies him once again after a positive attacking move.

        26. 74'

          Ward makes a decent save from Daramy but Isaksen can’t finish the rebound.

        27. Kieffer Moore takes on the Denmark defence

        28. 70'

          The challenge for Cymru has become extremely difficult now and Denmark are certainly not looking to sit back and defend their two goal lead. The introduction of Koumas should offer some energy in attack for the visitors though.

        29. 67'

          Substitution

          JAMES Jordan Anthony replaces JAMES Daniel Owen

        30. 67'

          Substitution

          KOUMAS Lewis replaces MOORE Kieffer Roberto Francisco

        31. 67'

          Substitution

          KOUMAS Lewis replaces MOORE Kieffer Roberto Francisco

        32. 67'

          Substitution

          JAMES Jordan Anthony replaces JAMES Daniel Owen

        33. 66'

          Goal

          Gustav Isaksen

        34. 66'

          And now it is 2-0 as Isaksen adds the second for the home side after Cymru fail to deal with another Damsgaard free-kick.

        35. 66'

          Goal

          Gustav Isaksen

        36. 66'

          Goal

          Gustav Isaksen

        37. 65'

          Yellow card

          JOHNSON Brennan

        38. 64'

          A huge miss for Denmark as the substitute Daramy fails to convert from close range. That should have been 2-0.

        39. 60'

          Substitution

          SHEEHAN Joshua Luke replaces SAVAGE Charlie

        40. 60'

          Substitution

          SHEEHAN Joshua Luke replaces SAVAGE Charlie

        41. Dan James in possession

        42. 57'

          A good chance for Cymru but Thomas’s delivery to the back post is missed by Moore and goes narrowly wide with Jørgensen beaten.

        43. 55'

          That goal has clearly lifted the home crowd and the Danes are looking very dangerous. Cymru need to regroup and keep their defensive discipline.

        44. 54'

          Own goal

          DAVIES Benjamin Thomas

        45. 53'

          Own goal

          DAVIES Benjamin Thomas

        46. 53'

          Denmark take the lead as a free-kick from Damsgaard is finished by Højlund at the near post, although Davies may have had the final touch as he challenged the striker. A huge blow for Cymru.

        47. 53'

          Goal

          Rasmus Højlund

        48. 52'

          A half-chance for Denmark as substitute Daramy tries his luck but his effort is blocked.

        49. 49'

          Yellow card

          MEPHAM Christopher

        50. 49'

          Yellow card

          MEPHAM Christopher

        51. 48'

          A positive start to the 2nd half from Cymru as Williams forces Jørgensen to make a save.

        52. 46'

          No changes from either side at half-time as Cymru get us back underway in Copenhagen.

        53. HALF-TIME VERDICT

          A frantic half of football but surprisingly no goals with both sides creating some excellent opportunities. Denmark thought they had taken the lead through a superb volley from Gustav Isaksen on 24 minutes, but a VAR review confirmed that Rasmus Højlund was offside in the build-up. Cymru have had to withstand plenty of Danish possession and it’s the home side that have created the better chances, but Sorba Thomas and Connor Roberts both came close to giving their side the lead. An entertaining encounter in Copenhagen with much more to come.

        54. 44'

          A big chance for Cymru but Jørgensen makes a fine save to deny Roberts after some excellent work from Johnson on the left.

        55. 42'

          Mæhle with the latest chance for Denmark as he makes space for himself in the Cymru area but cannot find the target with his effort.

        56. 39'

          Denmark really increasing the pressure on the Cymru defence now. Bellamy will be keen to hear the half-time whistle.

        57. 35'

          Yellow card

          Joakim Mæhle

        58. 35'

          Mæhle is booked for a foul on James. A big opportunity for Cymru, but Johnson fires the resulting free-kick wide of the post

        59. 35'

          Yellow card

          Joakim Mæhle

        60. Sorba Thomas runs at the Denmark defence

        61. 33'

          A great effort from Thomas but his effort from distance goes narrowly wide of Jørgensen’s far post. Best chance so far for Cymru.

        62. 30'

          Substitution

          Mohamed Daramy replaces Patrick Dorgu

        63. 30'

          Substitution

          Mohamed Daramy replaces Patrick Dorgu

        64. 30'

          Dorgu leaves the field for Denmark. That will give Cymru a boost.

        65. 27'

          Another huge chance for Denmark as Damsgaard hits the post with a superb effort from the edge of the area.

        66. 24'

          Denmark thought they had taken the lead through Isaksen but a VAR review confirms that Højlund was offside in the build-up. A warning and a relief for Cymru.

        67. The Red Wall of Cymru

        68. 18'

          Damsgaard is allowed too much time and space in the Cymru penalty area but his effort is blocked. Denmark very much in the ascendency at the moment.

        69. 17'

          A second chance for Denmark but Dorgu’s header from an excellent cross from Isaksen goes wide of Ward’s post.

        70. 16'

          The first big chance of the match as Isaksen shoots narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

        71. 15'

          A couple of positive passages of play from Cymru with Thomas delivering for Moore in the area, but it comes to nothing.

        72. The Cymru starting line-up

        73. 10'

          A wasteful final ball from Dorgu there takes a bit of pressure off the Cymru defence. Bellamy will want his side to have a bit more of the ball as this opening half progresses.

        74. 5'

          Cymru allowing Damsgaard to have plenty of space there as he makes an attacking run. The home side enjoying the better possession in these early exchanges.

        75. 2'

          Dorgu asking a few early questions of the Cymru defence. He could be a key player for Denmark this evening.

        76. 1'

          Here we go! Denmark get things underway on what is a big game for both nations in this group.

        77. The national anthems have certainly raised the atmosphere at the Parken Stadium as kick-off fast approaches in Copenhagen.

        78. Defender Chris Mepham complete his pre-match warm-up and returns to the starting line-up

        81. Charlie Savage starts in midfield for Cymru this evening. Dad Robbie also started for Cymru here at the Parken Stadium in October 1998 as his side claimed a famous 2-1 win through a late winner from Craig Bellamy.

        83. Craig Bellamy and his Cymru squad have arrived at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen

        86. STARTING XI – BELLAMY MAKES SIX CHANGES

          Craig Ballamy names six changes in his starting XI against Denmark as the Cymru head coach rotates his squad in this fixture packed international window.

          Coming in are Chris Mepham, Connor Roberts, Charlie Savage, Sorba Thomas, Dan James and Kieffer Moore.

          Ben Cabango, Jay Dasilva, Jordan Jones, David Brooks, Lewis Koumas and Josh Sheehan are the players who make way.

          For this match in Copenhagen there is no place on the bench for Joel Colwill, who is replaced by Cameron Congreve in the 23-man matchday squad.

          Danny Ward maintains his position in goal and Ben Davies, who was voted EE player of the match against Portugal, will once again captain the team.

          Meanwhile, Denmark make just one change from the side that lost 3-2 against Norway on Thursday with Gustav Isaksen replacing Victor Froholdt.

        87. The scene is set in Copenhagen and players will arrive shortly at the Parken Stadium. Meanwhile, team news for this UEFA Nations League encounter will be coming very soon.

        90. The Red Wall are in Copenhagen and making their way to the Parken Stadium

        93. PAPER ROUND

          Cymru midfielder Josh Sheehan features on the back pages this morning with head coach Craig Bellamy expected to rotate his players for the match against Denmark.

          “The manager has said there’s going to be changes, that’s a good thing and what we need,” said Sheehan in the Wales on Sunday. “You have to freshen up the squad and freshen up the team. Everyone in this team and squad is ready to play.”

          Bellamy spoke to the media on Saturday and confirmed that there are no injury concerns following the 1-0 defeat to Portugal in Lisbon.

        96. MEET THE REF

          Willy Delajod of France will take charge of the match between Denmark and Cymru in Copenhagen this evening.

          The 34-year-old has been a FIFA Referee since 2020 and was a VAR at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Delajod regularly officiates in UEFA club competition and was Assistant VAR for the 2022 Champions League Final.

          Erwan Finjean and Valentin Evrard are the Assistant Referees and Ruddy Buquet is the Fourth Official. Bastien Dechepy is the VAR and he will be assisted by Marc Bollengier. All of the officials are from France.

        97. BELLAMY ON SQUAD IMPORTANCE

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the media on Saturday as his side prepare to take on Denmark and explained why a strong squad is so important in this campaign.

          “We have players that are able to come on and bring another intensity again,” said Bellamy. “That why I’ve always wanted to build a squad, because I believe to be playing against the top teams, and especially this format now, that you’re not going to survive without a squad.

          “If you looked at the group right now, we’ve both lost. So if we want to finish third, then a positive result would be there tomorrow. But I honestly believe even after these four games, third place is not going to be out.

          “This is going to go to the end, and that gives you something to fight for.”

        99. FINAL PREPARATIONS

          The Cymru squad completed their preparations on Saturday ahead of the match against Denmark at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen this evening (5pm UK).

          Both teams are looking for their first points of this new UEFA Nations League campaign.

        102. BELLAMY EXPECTING A DIFFERENT TEST

          The Cymru squad return to UEFA Nations League action on Sunday as Craig Bellamy’s side take on Denmark in Copenhagen (5pm UK).

          Both sides suffered defeats in their opening group games on Thursday night as Cymru went down 1-0 against Portugal and Denmark were edged out 3-2 against Norway.

          “We can take a lot (from Portugal) but it’s a different game,” said Bellamy (below) to Sgorio after the match in Lisbon when asked about the challenge of taking on Denmark.

          “The temperature will be different, the speed of the ball will be different. It’s a completely different game, but the physicality will be the same. This is what it is. This is the level.”

        103. PARKEN STADIUM – COPENHAGEN

          Cymru will take on Denmark at the 38,190 capacity Parken Stadium on Sunday as both nations look for their first points of this new UEFA Nations League campaign.

          The stadium was built in 1992 and is home to FC Copenhagen as well as the Denmark national team and replaced the Idrætspark Stadium that had hosted previous fixtures between these two nations.

          At EURO 2020, the stadium hosted the three Group B fixtures involving Denmark as well as the R16 tie between Spain and Croatia.

        104. DENMARK IN PROFILE – BRIAN RIEMER

          Brian Riemer was appointed head coach of Denmark in October 2024 and guided his side to the UEFA Nations League Finals in 2025 as well as the 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Offs.

          The 48-year-old came to prominence as assistant to Thomas Frank at Brentford between 2018 and 2022 as the club gained promotion to the Premier League. He then took charge of Anderlecht as the club reached the last eight of the UEFA Conference League.

          Prior to joining Brentford, Riemer held positions at Danish side Hvidovre IF, Norwich City and FC Copenhagen.

        105. AS IT STANDS

          Cymru and Denmark both suffered defeats on Thursday night as the two nations prepare to meet in Copenhagen on Sunday (5pm UK).

          A goal from João Félix midway through the opening half proved sufficient to earn Portugal maximum points against Cymru in Lisbon despite a spirited response from Craig Bellamy’s side who could have snatched a point late on.

          Meanwhile, Erling Haaland was the difference between Norway and Denmark in Oslo as the Manchester City striker scored twice in a 3-2 win.

          Norway were two goals ahead early in the match through Oscar Bobb and Haaland, but Denmark levelled as Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Højlund brought their side back into the match. However, Haaland would seal the win for Norway on 74 minutes.

          Norway and Portugal now meet in Oslo on Sunday while Cymru travel to Copenhagen.

        106. PREVIOUS MEETINGS

          There have been 11 previous fixtures between Cymru and Denmark, with the first match taking place back in October 1964.

          Although Cymru lost that FIFA World Cup qualifier 1-0 in Copenhagen, Dave Bowen’s side made amends in the return match a year later as Roy Vernon scored twice in a 4-2 win at the Racecourse 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 three 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 most recent meeting between Cymru and Denmark took place in Amsterdam in the Round of 16 at EURO 2020 (below). 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.

        107. SQUAD UPDATE

          There have been three changes to Craig Bellamy’s initial squad for the upcoming fixtures in the UEFA Nations League, while Denmark have made one change from their squad.

          Joe Taylor, Charlie Savage and goalkeeper David Cornell have joined the squad following the withdrawals of Nathan Broadhead, Harry Wilson and Karl Darlow.

          Meanwhile, Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has replaced Andreas Christensen with Lucas Høgsberg.

        109. There is no live report available for this match

        Lineups

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          Substitutes

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