Wales lose in Denmark after two second-half set pieces

Wales conceded twice from second-half free kicks in a 2-0 defeat by Denmark in Copenhagen on Sunday 27 September. The result leaves Craig Bellamy’s side without a point or a goal after two Nations League matches, with Norway next in Cardiff on Thursday.

Wales survive the first-half pressure

Bellamy made six changes from the defeat in Portugal, including a first competitive start for Charlie Savage. Denmark initially created the clearer chances, but Gustav Isaksen’s volley was ruled out after a VAR review found Rasmus Højlund offside in the build-up. Mikkel Damsgaard then hit the post. Wales began to threaten before the interval. Sorba Thomas shot narrowly wide and Connor Roberts forced Filip Jørgensen into a save after Brennan Johnson’s work on the left. The sides reached half-time at 0-0.

Two free kicks change the match

Neco Williams tested Jørgensen after the restart, before Denmark took control. Ben Davies turned Damsgaard’s delivery into his own net while challenging Højlund in the 53rd minute. Isaksen added the second in the 66th after another Damsgaard free kick. Roberts was denied again and Williams headed over as Wales tried to respond. Denmark also threatened to extend the lead, with Højlund having a late effort ruled out for offside.

Ampadu points to possession and defending

Ethan Ampadu told BBC Sport Wales, in comments reproduced by the FAW, that Wales fell below the required level on the ball, particularly after regaining possession. The midfielder also identified defending set pieces as an area Wales needed to review. That assessment matters because both goals came from deliveries Wales could not clear, rather than the earlier open-play opportunities Denmark missed.

Norway next after another difficult away game

API-Football records Denmark with 62% possession and 20 shots, compared with Wales’ 38% and ten. Shots on target were closer at 4-3, but Wales finished without a goal for the second match running. The next opportunity to earn a first group point comes against Norway in Cardiff on Thursday 1 October.