Denmark utterly outclassed Wales in their one-off Euro 2020 last-16 tie, claiming an overwhelming 4-0 victory to progress to the quarter-finals. Kasper Hjumland’s men dominated the encounter at the Johan Cruijff Arena through and through to set up their first European Championship quarter-final appearance since 2004.
OGC Nice striker Kasper Dolberg broke the deadlock in the 27th minute with a stunning effort from outside the box before doubling Denmark’s lead three minutes into the second half. Defensively well organized and disciplined, the Danes limited Wales to a single shot on target in 90 minutes, barely allowing any threat towards Kasper Schmeichel’s goal.
Though Rob Page’s side didn’t lack effort, Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale and Juventus attacking midfielder Aaron Ramsey failed to overcome the likes of Milan’s Simon Kjaer and Chelsea’s Andreas Christiansen. Denmark cruised to a landslide victory in the final stage of the game, with Atalanta’s Joakim Maehle and Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite sealing Danish Dynamite’s place in the last eight.
Denmark recovered from an early shock. The team’s headline performer Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field in the Danes’ 1-0 loss to Finland on Matchday 1. The Inter playmaker’s absence was expected to derail Denmark’s chances of making a standout result at the tournament. However, it seems to have reunited Hjumalnd’s team into a rock-solid unit.
Meanwhile, after squeezing through to the knock-outs, Wales wave goodbye to the European Championship in a disappointing manner. The Dragons star player Gareth Bale shared his impression of the game during the post-match interview.
“It didn’t go the way we wanted it to be,” the Real Madrid winger said, as relayed by TUTTOmercatoWEB. “We got off to a good start, but then the inertia of the game changed. Since the restart, we tried to play, but we made the mistake of giving too much space.”
“Finishing as we did is a disappointment,” he continued. “The boys are understandably angry and frustrated at bowing out like this. We missed an opportunity, but I can’t blame anyone on the team. They gave everything. I’m proud of them.”