Eriksen at the double as Danes sweep aside Giggs’ men

Wales slipped to a 2-0 Uefa Nations League defeat to Denmark as Christian Eriksen continued his incredible goalscoring form in Aarhus.

The Tottenham midfielder scored in each half – the second a contentious penalty – to make it 15 goals in his last 18 appearances for Denmark.

It was a result which brought Ryan Giggs’ side down to earth after they had opened their Nations League campaign with a pulsating 4-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Gareth Bale captained Wales for the first time with veteran defender Ashley Williams rested after the Republic win on Thursday.

Giggs’ tinkering after such a quick turnaround came in defence. James Chester replaced Williams and Chris Gunter was back to win his 89th cap as Connor Roberts was pushed forward and David Brooks omitted.

The opening quarter was a sparring exercise with Aaron Ramsey and Thomas Delaney firing over from range, and Kasper Schmeichel gathering at the second attempt under pressure from

Roberts.

Wales were dictating the tempo of the contest, but there was a moment of real concern when Simon Kjaer flicked on Henrik Dalsgaard’s long throw and Chester had to clear at the far post with Mathias Jorgensen lurking.

Wales were to pay the price of leaving Denmark dangerman Eriksen unattended after 32 minutes.

Eriksen controlled Dalsgaard’s cross and his low right-foot effort beat Hennessey to go in off the far post.

The Wales keeper prevented Denmark from doubling their lead four minutes later with a brilliant one-handed stop from Pione Sisto’s ferocious half-volley.

The game was put beyond Wales after 63 minutes when Ethan Ampadu was harshly adjudged to have handled Viktor Fischer’s cross.

Eriksen showed no compassion as he beat Hennessey from the spot with ease.

Picture: AP. Denmark’s Christian Eriksen celebrates his second goal from a penalty.