Ben Davies’ own-goal and Gustav Isaksen’s strike saw Denmark defeat Wales in League A4 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League.
Davies’ 53rd-minute own-goal from Mikkel Damsgaard’s free-kick opened Denmark’s scoring, before Isaksen’s rebound strike in the 66th minute from a cleared free-kick settled the contest at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen.
Denmark remained third in the table despite their first win in the group, whilst Wales stayed rock bottom of the group on zero points.
Having both tasted defeat in their opening matches, it was little surprise that the opening 15 minutes in Copenhagen proved cagey until Isaksen pounced on a long ball, but the winger rifled wide of the far-bottom left corner.
Denmark soon continued to turn up the pressure as Patrick Dorgu headed wide then Damsgaard’s shot was blocked by Chris Mepham.
Wales’ resistance eventually was broken in the 24th minute as a Danish counter-attack fell to Rasmus Hojlund out on the left, which the former Manchester United forward whipped into the box where Isaksen volleyed into the top left corner.
Referee, Willy Delajod however disallowed the goal a minute later because Hojlund was adjudged offside in the buildup following a VAR review.
Damsgaard then struck the left post in the 27th minute as Denmark continued to pile on the pressure, although Dorgu was forced off injured in the 30th minute.
Wales eventually carved out their first chance of the match early in the 33rd minute as Sorba Thomas blasted a shot wide of the top-right corner.
Denmark though continued to push for the opening goal as Joakim Maehle fired over in the 42nd minute, but Filip Jorgensen spared their blushes a minute later as he tipped Connor Roberts’ shot over the bar after the latter met Brennan Johnson’s cutback in a goalless first half.
Brian Riemer’s Danes subsequently began the second half with more intensity which paid off from a 53rd-minute free-kick, as Damsgaard’s delivery deflected in off Davies’ leg to break the deadlock.
Denmark almost wrapped up victory in the 64th minute through Isaksen’s pass to Daramy yet the latter smashed his shot wide of his near-bottom left corner.
The hosts eventually wrapped up their win two minutes later as Moore cleared Damsgaard’s free-kick, only as far as Isaksen who smashed his rebound into the net off the underside of the crossbar.
Wales twice attempted to fight back as Neco Williams fired wide then Roberts saw a shot saved, as Denmark stood firm defensively to keep Craig Bellamy’s Welsh Dragons winless in League A after eight overall games at that level of the competition.
What’s Next?
Denmark are back in action in Copenhagen on Thursday 1 October against Portugal at 8:45pm CEST, before they visit Wales on Sunday 4 October in Cardiff.
Wales host Norway on Thursday 1 October at Cardiff City Stadium in the first of two home matches followed by their reverse meeting with Denmark on Sunday 4 October, with both matches kicking off at 7:45pm BST.
Teams
Denmark: Filip Jorgensen, Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Joakim Maehle, Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Gustav Isaksen (Daghim 76′), Mikkel Damsgaard (Froholdt 87′), Patrick Dorgu (Daramy 30′), Rasmus Hojlund (Hogh 87′)
Substitutes: Victor Bak Jensen, Mads Bidstrup, Adam Daghim, Anton Gaaei, Mohamed Daramy, Mads Hermansen, Lucas Hogsberg, Andreas Jungdal, Thomas Jorgensen, Victor Froholdt, Victor Nelsson, Kasper Hogh
Wales: Danny Wards, Connor Roberts, Chris Mepham, Ben Davies, Neco Williams, Ethan Ampadu, Charlie Savage (Sheehan 60′), Brennan Johnson (Burns 83′), Dan James (J.James 67′), Sorba Thomas, Kieffer Moore (Koumas 67′)
Substitutes: Wes Burns, Ben Cabango, Cameron Congreve, David Cornell, Liam Cullen, Jay Dasilva, Mark Harris, Jordan James, Tom King, Lewis Koumas, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Josh Sheehan
Referee – Willy Delajod (France)