Cymru narrowly defeated in Denmark

Denmark 1-0 Cymru

• Jess Fishlock gets the ball over the line but goal not given
• Concern for Mayzee Davies following first-half injury
• Solo goal from Pernille Harder the difference
• Cymru demoted to League B following defeat

A goal from Denmark captain Pernille Harder just after half-time proved to be the difference between the two teams in Odense as Cymru suffer defeat in this UEFA Nations League match.

Rhian Wilkinson made five changes from the team that drew 1-1 with Sweden last month knowing that a defeat to Denmark would mean relegation from League A. By half-time, the final whistle in Parma where Italy played out a 0-0 draw with Sweden confirmed that only a win would do.

Cymru suffered the worst possible start as defender Mayzee Davies went down after just three minutes with a concerning knee injury and had to be replaced by Alice Griffiths, and Denmark capitalised on the defensive disruption by forcing a series of early corners.

Harder showed her quality on seven minutes when she headed against the bar and goalkeeper Olivia Clark was called into action to make a double save from Stine Ballisager and Amalie Vangsgaard. Vangsgaard would also waste a golden chance later in the half from close range.

Cymru settled into the match midway through the opening half and should have gone ahead on 20 minutes. Ceri Holland forced a save from Maja Bay Østergaard before Jess Fishlock followed-up and thought her effort had crossed the line. However, the officials decided otherwise and the game continued.

Holland remained a key player for Cymru and linked-up well with Fishlock and Lily Woodham, with the latter coming close but her effort went over the bar on 38 minutes. Denmark finished the half strongly with Harder again forcing a block from Josie Green and another save from Clark before half-time.

The decisive goal arrived on 48 minutes when Harder played her way through the Cymru defence before slotting the ball past Clark despite pressure from Gemma Evans. Cymru responded well to the setback, and Fishlock and Holland both had opportunities on goal before the hour mark.

Denmark came close to increasing their lead on 71 minutes but Vangsgaard’s shot from a tight angle was blocked on the line by Hayley Ladd, while at the other end substitute Hannah Cain came close to equalising after making space for herself on the edge of the area but her shot went narrowly over the bar.

Cymru finished the match very strongly but could not find a way through the Denmark defence. The final whistle confirmed relegation from League A, but Cymru can once again take positives from pushing one of Europe’s leading nations all the way, even though they didn’t get any reward for their efforts.

The focus now turns to the challenge of Italy in Swansea on Tuesday evening to complete the group and bring the campaign to a close. Click here to secure your ticket and watch Cymru in their final match before UEFA EURO 2025.