Danish defeat is all part of learning curve for young Wales side: Giggs
RYAN Giggs felt Wales’ defeat to Denmark was a “learning curve” for his young players.
Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen scored in each half as Denmark ran out comfortable 2-0 UEFA Nations League winners.
“It wasn’t easy after the highs of Thursday to get back up again,” Giggs said, referring to their 4-1 opening Nations League victory against the Republic of Ireland.
“Against a very good team and physically with the quick turnaround we found it difficult.
“But the lads lads kept going and for the young players it’s a learning curve.
“I tried to freshen up it as much as I could and also keep that rhythm of playing so well.
“But you had a team who played two competitive games in a short space of time and a team that didn’t — and it showed in the end.” DENMARK: Schmeichel, Kjaer, Delaney, Eriksen, Braithwaite, Jørgensen, Dalsgaard, Stryger Larsen, Schone, Poulsen (Cornelius, 86 mins), Sisto (Fischer, 46 mins). Unused subs: Lossl, Ronnow, Boilesen, Vestergaard, Knudsen, Christensen, Christiansen, Jensen, Norgaard, Lerager.
WALES: Hennessey, Gunter, Chester,
Gareth Bale captained Wales for the first time in his 72-cap career as veteran defender Ashley Williams was rested following Thursday’s outing.
Real Madrid star Bale was not Mepham, B Davies, C Roberts (Brooks, 59 mins), Ampadu (T Roberts, 71 mins), Allen, Ramsey, Lawrence (Woodburn, 79 mins), Bale. Unused subs: Ward, A Davies, Dummett, King, Vokes, Ledley, Wilson, Lockyer, Smith.
Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)
Man of the match: Christian Eriksen Match rating: 7/10
at his best, but Giggs dismissed the suggestion that the decision was a mistake.
“I don’t think it affected his performance,” he said.
“I just felt he was the most experienced. He leads by example and he’s very vocal in the dressing room.
“When Gareth speaks, especially the young players listen and it wasn’t a difficult situation.
“I could have picked others, Chris Gunter or Aaron Ramsey, but I felt Gareth was best suited to do the role from the rest of the players.
Denmark were in control from the moment Eriksen opened the scoring after 32 minutes with a low drive which went in off a post.
And Eriksen made it 15 goals in his last 18 international appearances with a 63rd-minute penalty after Ethan Ampadu had handled Viktor Fischer’s cross. Good start: Kasper Schmeichel hails Christian Eriksen KIERAN Tierney insists the Scotland players are well aware of the importance of tonight’s UEFA Nations League opener against Albania at Hampden Park.
Alex McLeish’s side lost 4-0 in their friendly against World Cup semi-finalists Belgium at the national stadium on Friday night, which was their biggest home loss in 45 years.
The fixture acted as a warmup for their first game in the newly-formed UEFA tournament, which offers an increased chance of reaching the 2020 European Championship.
With Scotland in a three-team group along with Israel — beaten 1-0 by the Albanians on Friday night —there is little room for error.
“We are all professional footballers, we know how important it is, we don’t really need anyone to tell us,” said Tierney.
“It is a home game as well and we want to give the fans something to cheer about, which we didn’t do on Friday.
“It wasn’t good enough and we have to make it right.
“This (competition) gives us more of a chance which is great.
“Every game is going to be important and we will be looking for a great start.”
The Celtic left-back was moved into a back three by McLeish, with new captain Andy Robertson deployed in his usual role. But Tierney was diplomatic when asked what position he would choose.
“Everyone knows what position I am,” explained the 21-yearold.
“It is up to the manager where he plays me but everybody knows what position I play.
“The manager trusts me in another position which is good.
“I have played there a few times there for Celtic so I am familiar to a certain extent and I am enjoying learning a new position as well.”