Rasmus Hojlund’s 75th-minute penalty condemned Wales to a third Nations League defeat as Denmark secured a 1-0 win at Cardiff City Stadium.
Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward had produced several excellent saves to frustrate the visitors, but he conceded possession before bringing down Gustav Isaksen in the penalty area.
Hojlund made no mistake from the spot, sending his effort into the bottom-left corner to move Denmark second in Group A4, six points behind leaders Portugal.
The result leaves Craig Bellamy’s Wales third in the group after one win and three defeats. They knew victory was essential to retain any prospect of reaching the competition’s quarter-finals, but could not find a response after Denmark took the lead.
Wales threatened early when Brennan Johnson shot wide from a difficult angle. Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was then forced off after suffering an early injury.
Morten Hjulmand headed wide for the visitors, while Sorba Thomas was unable to trouble Mads Hermansen with a free-kick at the other end.
Denmark created the clearer opportunities before half-time. Isaksen headed over from close range and later sent a wild effort into the stands when he should have done better.
Ward was required again shortly after the restart, blocking a close-range attempt from Hojlund within the opening five minutes of the second half. Moments later, he produced the best save of the match by tipping Isaksen’s header on to the left-hand post.
Wales had a chance through Johnson after Thomas had raced down the left, but the Everton forward could only fire over the crossbar.
Ward’s performance changed decisively in the 75th minute. After losing possession, he brought down Isaksen inside the 18-yard box, allowing Hojlund to take responsibility from 12 yards and settle the contest.
Ward’s costly mistake
The Wrexham goalkeeper had kept Wales in the game with three saves, including his outstanding intervention to deny Isaksen after the interval. However, his error handed Denmark the opening they needed to claim all three points.
Hojlund has now scored eight goals in his past 10 competitive internationals for Denmark. The victory was also Denmark’s fifth consecutive win against Wales in all competitions, during which they have conceded only once.
The statistics reflected Denmark’s superiority. The visitors registered 13 shots, four of them on target, and recorded an expected goals figure of 2.20.
Wales managed six attempts and an xG of 0.37, both their lowest totals in a home match in the competition.
