Welsh dragon flying home after thumping defeat to Denmark

Welsh dragon flying home after thumping defeat to Denmark

When Wales and Denmark found themselves playing each other in the round of 16, it was expected to be an end to and end game, with both teams seemingly matching in quality going into the game. This was not the case. Denmark ran riot throughout against a Welsh team who barely came out of their half for the majority of the game.

Early on, Gareth Bale hit a good shot from outside the area, yet it bounced just wide of the post. Kasper Schmeichel was rooted to the spot.

Yet that was perhaps the closest Wales came all game, and on the 27th minute, Dolberg turned away from Chris Mepham before curling a pinpoint finish into the right-hand corner from just outside the box.

From then to half-time Denmark hammered Wales for a second yet Wales were strong in defence,and hung on.

Half-time: Wales 0 – 1 Denmark 

Denmark are the first team to score 4+ goals in consecutive matches in Euros history! ?? pic.twitter.com/BPPMzk5wc9

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 26, 2021

Second Half

It was early in the second half when Kjaer seemingly fouled Wales forward Moore, yet the referee played on. Martin Braithwaite just kept the ball in play as Denmark started a lightning-fast counter-attack. It looked as if Wales had dealt with it yet Neco Williams, who was brought on for Conner Roberts who had pulled his groin, hit an awful clearance to Dolberg on the edge of the 6 yard box, who finished convincingly. The Wales players complained for a long time about the ‘foul’ on Moore which won Denmark the ball. Although after a VAR check on the foul and on whether Braithwaite had kept it in, the goal stood.

The game then opened up more, with Wales coming out of their shell slightly to try and get something, hence leaving gaps in behind. Denmark almost exploited these, and even hit the woodwork twice.

Since the Dane’s second goal, a variety of substitutions were made for both sides. David Brooks, brought on for Wales, received a yellow card after a foul 25 yards out from the welsh goal. Braithwaite took, and he sent his shot just over.

In the dying moments, the 88th moment to be exact, a excellent cross-field pass sent right-back Joakim Maehle free. He controlled it with his chest, cut inside past a welsh defender and sent a fizzing shot into the top right-corner. An unstoppable finish that any striker would’ve been proud of.

Seconds later Liverpool midfielder Harry Wilson made a silly challenge with his knee on Maehle. The poor tackle yet questionable red from the referee, sent Wilson off despite Wales’ understandable protests. Captain and star-man Gareth Bale received a yellow for sarcastically clapping the official. Overall a harsh red card from a frustrated Wilson. The stadium announcer had only just finished announcing Denmark’s third.

And it only got worse as Martin Braithwaite finished in injury time to put the icing on the cake for the Dane’s. At first it was ruled offside, and this looked the right decision yet VAR intervened and the decision was overturned and the goal stood.

Almost immediately after kick-off the final whistle went. The Dane’s went wild. Having lost their first two games and been put through a horrific experience after Eriksen had a cardiac arrest on pitch, Denmark are taking this tournament by storm. For Wales, it’s heartbreak after their fans had just got up their hopes of a 2016 repeat.

Full Time: Wales 0 – 4 Denmark 

Man of the match: Kasper Dolberg 

Dolberg was key for Denmark throughout his time on the pitch and his double sent them on their way to what will be a famous victory. Whenever he picked up the ball it felt like something was about to happen.

?? Two-goal hero Kasper Dolberg is rewarded for his fine display in Amsterdam ⚽️⚽️

? Did you predict that? @Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/04vbMttD9d

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 26, 2021

End of an era for Gareth Bale?

In an interview after the match, Gareth Bale walked away after he was asked about his Welsh Future. This has led to some confusion and many pundits have been predicting what they think will happen. Though surely if Wales make it to the 2022 world cup he’d play? Yet what if he’d already retired from international football? Would he come out of it to represent his country once more? Another reason he may not stop playing for the Red Dragons just yet as he is only a few away from 100 international caps.

Line-Ups: 

Denmark: Schmeichel, Vestergaard, Kjaer, Christensen, Larsen, Maehle, Delaney, Hojbjerg, Damsgaard , Braithwaite, Dolberg:

SUBS: Anderson,Norgaard,Cornelius,Jensen,Boilesen

Wales: Ward, Rodon, Davies, Roberts, Mepham, Morrell, Allen, Bale, Ramsey, James, Moore:

SUBS:Williams, Roberts,Brooks,Wilson

We hope you enjoyed the article ‘Welsh dragon flying home after thumping defeat to Denmark.’ How far do you think Denmark can go in the tournament? Let us know!

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