The Scotsman

Gareth can’t Bale out Wales /Denmark enjoy Nations League win in Cardiff

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Wales missed out on promotion to the top tier of the Nations League as Denmark won a passionate Cardiff contest 2-1 last night.

Nicolai Jorgensen gave Denmarkaha­lf-timeleadan­d Martin Braithwait­e’s superb volley two minutes from time doubled their advantage to seemingly end Welsh hopes.

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. But Denmark did hold on to clinch promotion and leave Wales in second spot ahead of the relegated Republic of Ireland.

Germany also suffered relegation last night without kicking a ball. The Netherland­s’ 2-0 win over France in Group A1 means Joachim Low’s side will finish bottom of their section.

Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldums­coredjustb­efore half-time and Memphis Depay converted an audacious extra-time penalty as the Dutch team that did not even qualify for the World Cup beat the world champions. And the margin of victory flattered Didier Deschamps’ injury-hit French team, with goalkeeper Hugo Llorismaki­ngastringo­fsaves to deny Denzel Dumfries, Depay, and Frenkie de Jong.

The defeat brought to an end France’s impressive 15-game unbeaten run. A Dutch draw in Germany on Monday night would see them win the group.

Elsewhere, Gibraltar’s Euro 2020 dream is almost certainly over after a 6-2 hammering by Armenia. Macedonia top that group thanks to a 2-0 win in Liechstens­tein.

 ??  ?? Gareth Bale skips past Kasper Schmeichel before prodding the ball into the keeper’s net. But it was too little too late for Wales.
Gareth Bale skips past Kasper Schmeichel before prodding the ball into the keeper’s net. But it was too little too late for Wales.

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