Wales sink to Nations League basement after 2-0 defeat to dominant Denmark

Wales are rooted to the bottom of Nations League Group A4 after a 2-0 defeat to Denmark at the Parken Stadium on Sunday, leaving Craig Bellamy’s side without a point or a goal from their opening two fixtures. A Ben Davies own goal and a Gustav Isaksen strike sealed a comfortable Danish victory, compounding Thursday’s 1-0 loss to Portugal.

Wales were fortunate to reach half-time level. Denmark carved through a porous Welsh midfield repeatedly in the first half, with Isaksen flashing wide early on before a Mikkel Damsgaard effort struck the post. A Rasmus Hojlund cross was met by Isaksen with a thumping volley, only for VAR to rule out the goal for offside in the build-up.

Wales offered brief encouragement before the break. Brennan Johnson worked a one-two with Sorba Thomas to reach the byline, pulling the ball back for Connor Roberts, whose close-range effort was tipped away by Filip Jorgensen. But the reprieve was short-lived.

Denmark took the lead eight minutes into the second half when Damsgaard delivered a free-kick that found its way into the net via Davies. Isaksen added a second to put the result beyond doubt and give the scoreline a margin that reflected Danish dominance throughout.

Bellamy had made six changes from the Portugal defeat, with Charlie Savage — son of former Wales international Robbie Savage — earning a surprise call-up to the squad following several withdrawals. Daniel James, Kieffer Moore and Thomas formed a reshaped frontline, while Chris Mepham and Roberts came into defence.

Denmark, who had themselves lost to Norway on Thursday, rose to the occasion and could have won by a wider margin. Patrick Dorgu headed off the pitch in the first half in what may prove a significant injury concern for Manchester United.

Wales now face the daunting prospect of Erling Haaland’s Norway in their next Nations League fixture, with relegation from the group already a real threat after this chastening start to the campaign.