Hojlund left in disbelief as Denmark goal ruled own goal in 2-0 win over Wales

Rasmus Hojlund was visibly stunned during a post-match TV interview after his opening goal for Denmark against Wales in Copenhagen on Sunday was ruled an own goal, with the deflection off Ben Davies’ leg deemed decisive in a 2-0 Nations League victory.

The former Manchester United striker wheeled away in celebration after the ball hit the net, but replays showed it had clipped the Wales defender’s leg before crossing the line. When TV2 put the ruling to Hojlund in his post-match interview, he refused to accept it.

“Are you serious? I promise and swear on my mother’s grave that I will have it touched,” Hojlund said, in a translated exchange. “So that has to change.” He added, while laughing: “I think I’m touching it, and then we have to go in and get it redone. Because yes, I’m touching it.”

The goal controversy somewhat overshadowed a comfortable Danish win. Gustav Isaksen had a first-half effort ruled out for offside following a VAR check before Mikkel Damsgaard’s deflected free-kick gave Denmark the lead in the second half. Isaksen then doubled the advantage near the hour mark to seal the result.

Hojlund left Manchester United in the summer of 2025 on an initial loan to Napoli, a move that was made permanent earlier this year for a reported fee of £43.2 million. During his time at Old Trafford, the Danish striker scored 26 goals in 95 appearances after joining from Atalanta in 2023.

Hojlund’s next chance to add to his international tally comes on Thursday when Denmark host Portugal in the Nations League. Bruno Fernandes, who missed Portugal’s win over Norway on Sunday through injury, could return in time to feature in that fixture.