Denmark vs Wales finished 2-0 in Copenhagen, with Craig Bellamy admitting his side were second best at Parken Stadium and that the result was deserved.
A Ben Davies own goal and a close-range finish from Gustav Isaksen sealed the win for Brian Riemer’s team. The defeat leaves Wales without a victory in six matches in 2026 and with no points from their away Nations League A double-header against Portugal and Denmark.
Bellamy said the step up in opposition will benefit his squad in the long run, even as the short-term pain bites. “I’m really hurting. When you see an athletic team run over you a little bit… but then, will we improve? I think we will,” the Wales head coach said. He added that his focus is on the next two fixtures and on his own development as a coach.
Denmark vs Wales: Set-pieces prove decisive
Denmark controlled the early stages. Mikkel Damsgaard struck the post after Isaksen had a goal ruled out for offside. Although Wales grew into the game after the opening half hour, two set-piece situations ultimately undid them.
“I said to the players before the game, this is going to be tougher than Portugal,” Bellamy noted, calling it a different but demanding challenge. He accepted the outcome, saying the best team won and that the scoreline was a fair reflection.
The loss follows a 1-0 reverse to Portugal in Lisbon three days earlier, leaving Wales with ground to make up. They will return to Cardiff City Stadium for the remainder of the international window, hosting Norway on Thursday, 1 October, before facing Denmark again the following Sunday.
Wales look to respond in Cardiff
Captain Ben Davies said Wales are absorbing hard lessons in their second stint in Nations League A. He described the match as tough and was frustrated by the goals conceded from dead-ball situations, noting that anything less than full intensity gets punished at this level.
Winger Sorba Thomas echoed the manager’s belief that progress will come. With two home games ahead, he said Wales must show a reaction and highlighted the team’s spirit, adding that belief needs to translate on the pitch.