Cardiff City starlet shines, but Wales thumped by Denmark

Wales were defeated 6-2 by Denmark in their opening U21 European Championship qualifier in Newport.

It was the perfect start for Wales, who went ahead after just 37 seconds through Tanatswa Nyakuhwa’s thumping effort. Midway through the half, they doubled their advantage thanks to Chris Popov.

But Denmark pulled one back before the break, and in the second half ran riot. The Danes had six different goal scorers on the night, as Wales looked powerless to stop them.

Here’s how we rate the performance of every Wales player who stepped out onto the Rodney Parade pitch this evening.

Wales U21 player ratings vs Denmark

Evan Watts: 5/10

The Galway United shot stopper wasn’t called upon too much in the first half, but when he was needed, he was alert. He also did very well with the ball at his feet. Will be disappointed with how the last few goals went in.

Sam Parker: 6/10

What struck me most about Parker was just how strong a runner he was. The Danes certainly had a physical advantage over Cymru, but Parker was equal to everything thrown his way. The whole defence will be disappointed, especially with the second half, but Parker can take a lot of heart from the defeat.

Ed James: 4/10

Perhaps James was a little eager to press for Denmark’s opening goal and that opened up a gap that they exploited. The second half was a real tester for the centre back pairing in particular, but it’s an experience they will take a lot of learning from.

Dan Cox: 4/10

Dealt with Conrad Harder really well in the first half, especially aerially. The second half saw the Danes step into a different gear, and Harder became too hot to handle, and Cox couldn’t quite rediscover his first-half form.

Luey Giles: 5/10

Had a great link up with Nyakuhwa in the first half, and that was on show for the first goal. Defensively was fine in the first half, but Danish winger Adam Daghim really stepped up in the second half, and the Cardiff City full back found it difficult to keep up with him at times.

Tanatswa Nyakuhwa: 8/10

Scoring your first U21 goal in just 37 seconds is an impressive way to mark any game, but Nyakuhwa built on that tremendously. His pass into Popov for Wales’ second was pinpoint, and he seemed to play with a freedom and a swagger that not many at his age do. Subbed off 63^rd minute.

Joel Cotterill: 6/10

Cotterill is a midfielder who can do so many things well. Whether that’s dropping in to help the defence or be the catalyst to start attacks, the now Bristol Rovers starlet adapted well, but was clearly frustrated by the second half display. Subbed off 75^th minute.

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Jonathan Bland: 6/10

In the first half in particular Bland was tenacious in the middle of the park. He acted like a great anchor and was a great link between defence and midfield. Denmark came out with the grit between their teeth in the second half, and Bland lost his way a little bit. Subbed off 75^th minute.

Cian Ashford: 6/10

Was a really good dual threat alongside Nyakuhwa on the wings for Wales, and his ability to cut inside and make himself a nuisance is quite something. But Ashford, like the rest of the attack, struggled to carve out any real chance in the second half.

Chris Popov: 7/10

Made an excellent run in behind the defence to get his goal, but throughout the first half triggered Wales’ press. Second half chances were limited for all the attackers, but Popov made real mark in the first 45. Subbed off 63^rd minute.

Luke Harris: 6/10

Adopted a slightly newer position at the start of the game but played well. In a deeper role, Harris was allowed to come forward and add a different dynamic to the attack in the first half, but the second half was a different story. Subbed off 82^nd minute.

Gabriele Biancheri: 5/10

Subbed on 63^rd minute. Biancheri came on at a time when Wales were well and truly on the backfoot, and when playing that lone striker in a situation like that is a tricky job. Can’t really judge him off this performance.

Cameron Congreve: 5/10

Subbed on 63^rd minute. Similar to Biancheri. Came on to try and add something different down the flank but could not get the better of his marker at all.

Vimal Yoganathan: N/A

Subbed on 75^th minute. Wasn’t on long enough to make an impact.

Ben Lloyd: N/A

Subbed on 75^th minute. Wasn’t on long enough to make an impact.

Calum Agius: N/A

Subbed on 82^nd minute. Wasn’t on long enough to make an impact.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell/FAW)