Denmark 2-1 Wales: Much improved Wales narrowly defeated
CARDIFF, WALES - 26 SEPTEMBER 2023: Wales' Jess Fishlock celebrates scoring her goal during the UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture between Wales Women & Denmark Women on the 26th of September at the Cardiff City Stadium (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
Wales battled hard in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as they lost 2-1 away to Denmark in the Nations League.
Goals from Amalie Vansgaard and Sofie Bredgaard in the first half put Denmark in a comfortable position at the break, but Wales stepped up in the second half. Jess Fishlock pulled one back, but as they pushed for an equaliser, it never came.
The result leaves Wales at the bottom of their League A group, and all eyes now turn to Iceland in December, with the winner most likely staying in League A.
Gemma Grainger elected to make three changes to the side that were defeated by Germany. Carrie Jones, Josie Green, and Ffion Morgan replaced Kayleigh Green, Ceri Holland, and Hannah Cain.
From the off, there seemed to be a change of formation for Wales. Rhiannon Roberts slotted into a centre-back spot, allowing Josie Green to play in a right wing-back role. A five at the back formation, something we’re not used to seeing under Grainger.
Despite the change, Wales were still under pressure from Denmark. This was a Danish team without star player Pernille Harder, but they still kept Wales penned in.
Crosses once again caused problems for Wales, as they have done throughout their Nations League campaign so far. Sanne Troeslgaard found some room at the far post, but she couldn’t guide her effort on target. Arsenal’s Kathrine Kühl was next to go close from a cross, but she couldn’t direct her shot on target.
The next cross however proved to be one too many, as Denmark took the lead. A dinked ball into the box by Sofie Bredgaard found Amalie Vansgaard, and the PSG forward adjusted her body perfectly to nod into the far corner. That means Wales have now conceded a goal from a cross in each of their Nations League games so far.
Ten minutes later the lead was doubled. After winning the ball back in her own box, Angharad James lost the ball cheaply. Eventually Denmark found space and knocked the ball to Bredgaard, who curled her strike out of Olivia Clark’s reach.
The closest Wales came was through Jess Fishlock, but her rasping strike from outside the box whistled over the bar. You could see Wales wanted to press, but they couldn’t find a way in behind and get many shots away. Denmark had dominated the first 45 and deserved to be ahead.
A handful of minutes into the second period and Denmark could have had a third. Yet another dangerous cross from Troelsgaard caused havoc in the Wales box, with Josie Green almost turning the ball into her own net, but luckily from a Welsh perspective, the ball went the right side of the post.
Wales certainly looked brighter in the second half, and they found themselves further up the field. Yet, the final ball and the final decision was lacking. You felt if one stuck, Cymru could have a good sight on goal.
While Wales pushed, Denmark could break, and they clocked up more and more chances. Sofie Svava sent in a wonderful cross onto the head of Vansgaard, but she could only guide her header onto the top of the crossbar.
As it looked like the Danish pressure would continue, Wales hit back and reduced the deficit. A heavy touch by Isabella Obaze was seized upon by Kayleigh Green high up field. Sophie Ingle managed to hold onto the ball and play in Fishlock, who slotted the ball past the keeper.
There was a real spring in Wales’ step after the goal. Numbers were pushing forward, Denmark were being penned in, and you felt the next goal would be an equaliser.
In the final minute of stoppage time, the ball pinballed around the Danish box, with chances for a Welsh player to pull the trigger arising, but no one was able to get a shot away, with Denmark breathing a huge sigh of relief; clearing the ball and holding onto the win.
A much better performance from Wales, who now know they have to beat Iceland in December to have any chance of staying in League A.
Player of the Match: Josie Green
Josie Green was sometimes caught out in the first half, but she was solid throughout the game. We hardly see Green play in her natural position, but she never seems to let Wales down, and this performance was no different.
Denmark
Lene Christensen, Isabella Obaze, Stine Ballisager ©, Sofie Bredgaard (Karen Holmgaard 86’), Sanne Troelsgaard, Amalie Vansgaard, Katrine Veje, Kathrine Kühl, Frederikke Thøgersen, Mille Gejl (Joesfine Hasbo 54’), Sofie Svava (Rikke Madsen 71’)
Unused Subs: Kathrine Larsen, Maja Østergaard, Sara Thrige, Nadia Nadim, Karoline Olesen, Nicoline Sørensen, Luna Gevitz, Emma Færge, Signe Brunn
Goals: Amalie Vansgaard (28’), Sofie Bredgaard (39’)
Cymru
Olivia Clark, Rhiannon Roberts, Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Lily Woodham (Ella Powell 75’), Angharad James, Sophie Ingle ©, Ffion Morgan (Elise Hughes 75’), Jess Fishlock, Josie Green (Charlie Estcourt 88’), Carrie Jones (Kayleigh Green 66’)
Unused Subs: Laura O’Sullivan, Safia Middleton-Patel, Chloe Williams, Josie Longhurst, Mary McAteer, Esther Morgan, Megan Wynne, Anna Filbey
Goals: Jess Fishlock (72’)
