Classy Danes cut down the Welsh
WALES missed out on promotion to the top tier of the Nations League as Denmark won a passionate Cardiff contest 2-1.
Nicolai Jorgensen gave Denmark a half-time lead and Martin Braithwaite’s superb volley two minutes from time doubled their advantage to seemingly end Welsh hopes. But Gareth Bale’s instant response, sliding home his 31st international goal after rounding Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, had the visitors hanging on at the end.
Wales were not short of endeavour against opponents who had reached the last 16 of the World Cup in the summer, but even with the fit-again Bale in their ranks they often lacked the craft to worry the streetwise Danes.
Wales boss Ryan Giggs said: “We came up against a good side, efficient, good at what they do, and they just win games — they get the job done.
“I’m proud of the lads because they kept going to the end and excited me and excited the crowd. Some of the one-touch play was exciting. We need to learn the other side — the discipline that Denmark are so good at, and they’ve been together a long time.
“They’re a difficult team to beat but overall in the two games, not a lot to choose from us.”
Reflecting on the Nations League, Giggs added: “I’ve enjoyed it. They’ve been good games. It’s gone right to the last game. But we’ ll dust ourselves down and we’ve got a good game on Tuesday (in Albania).”
Germany’s relegation from the elite tier of countries in the Nations League was confirmed as France were beaten for the first time since winning the World Cup, losing 2-0 to Holland.
Last night’s nations League results: Group A1: Netherlands 2 France 0; Group C3: Cyprus 1 Bulgaria 1; Slovenia 1 Norway 1; Group D4: Gibraltar 2 Armenia 6; Liechtenstein 0 Macedonia 2; Group B1: Slovakia 4 Ukraine 1; Group B4: Wales 1 Denmark 2.