Wales finally have something to build on as they look to take on Denmark for the second time in the space of a week in the Nations League on Sunday.
Craig Bellamy’s side came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 on Thursday, ending a difficult run and picking up their first points of this Nations League campaign.
Daniel James equalised before Neco Williams struck the winner shortly after Norway were reduced to 10 men.
Now comes a very quick opportunity for revenge.
Denmark beat Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen just a week ago, with a Ben Davies own goal and Gustav Isaksen’s deflected effort doing the damage.
The Danes have had problems of their own, though. Thursday’s 4-2 home defeat against Portugal means Denmark, Wales and Norway all enter this round of fixtures on three points.
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What are the best betting tips for Wales vs Denmark?
Wales +1 handicap
The first meeting wasn’t pretty from a Welsh perspective.
Denmark controlled long periods of the game in Copenhagen and eventually won 2-0. Both goals came from set-piece situations, with Mikkel Damsgaard’s deliveries causing Wales serious problems.
But Thursday felt different.
Wales responded well after Oscar Bobb gave Norway an early lead. James equalised before half-time, while Williams completed the comeback with a superb free-kick shortly after Torbjørn Heggem’s red card.
There is also a fairly obvious difference this time: Cardiff.
Wales should be far more aggressive at home and will arrive with some confidence restored. Denmark, meanwhile, have already conceded seven goals in three Nations League matches after losing 3-2 to Norway and 4-2 to Portugal either side of beating Wales.
The +1 handicap means a Wales victory or draw lands the selection, while a one-goal Denmark win returns the stake.
Over 2.5 goals
The reverse fixture finished 2-0, but Denmark’s other two Nations League games have been considerably more entertaining.
Brian Riemer’s side lost 3-2 in Norway before Thursday’s 4-2 defeat against Portugal. That is 13 goals across Denmark’s three matches, with the Danes scoring in all of them.
Rasmus Højlund has also scored twice during this international window.
Wales finally found some attacking rhythm against Norway too.
James scored their first goal of the competition, while Sorba Thomas caused problems from wide areas and helped create the equaliser. Wales also had opportunities to make it 3-1 after taking the lead.
This should be more open than the meeting in Copenhagen.
Daniel James 1+ shot on target
James caused problems for Norway virtually every time Wales managed to release him into space.
He scored the equaliser by beating David Møller Wolfe to Sorba Thomas’ low cross. Then, just seconds into the second half, his pace drew the foul which resulted in Heggem’s red card and Williams’ winning free-kick.
Denmark’s defence hasn’t exactly been watertight either.
They have conceded seven times already, and Riemer admitted after the defeat to Portugal that his team had made both tactical and individual mistakes.
James should start from the left again. One effort on target looks an interesting way of backing him to carry Thursday’s momentum into this one.
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Where can I watch Wales vs Denmark?
Wales host Denmark at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, October 4, with kick-off at 7:45 pm BST.
The match will be available in the UK on BBC Two Wales, BBC iPlayer and S4C.
What have the managers said?
Craig Bellamy:
Thursday’s victory was a big one for Bellamy after a difficult few months.
Wales had not won since last November and had started the Nations League with defeats against Portugal and Denmark.
Bellamy admitted afterwards:
“The summer wasn’t easy. These games weren’t easy.”
The Wales boss also spoke about the criticism surrounding the team before adding:
“I do think we could be kinder to each other.”
More importantly on the pitch, Wales finally produced the sort of energetic performance Bellamy has been trying to build.
Brian Riemer:
Riemer was frustrated by Denmark’s defending in the 4-2 defeat against Portugal.
The Denmark boss felt plenty of their performance was encouraging, but admitted mistakes proved costly against high-level opposition.
“We make some tactical and individual mistakes.”
Riemer was particularly unhappy with Portugal’s third goal, which arrived shortly after Denmark had fought back to 2-2.
Looking ahead to Wales, he has made Denmark’s target clear:
“We have to go to Wales, and we have to win.”
Denmark currently sit second in Group A4, but Riemer acknowledged how tight the battle behind Portugal has become.
What is Wales’ predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Ward; Neco Williams, Cabango, Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, Jordan James; Brennan Johnson, Cullen, Daniel James; Koumas.
Injured: Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor, Rubin Colwill, Isaak Davies.
Wales could keep changes to a minimum after Thursday’s victory.
Daniel James should retain his place after scoring against Norway, while Lewis Koumas is expected to continue through the middle.
What is Denmark’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Hermansen; Kristensen, Andersen, Provstgaard, Mæhle; Hjulmand, Højbjerg; Daghim, Damsgaard, Daramy; Højlund.
Injured: Patrick Dorgu, Andreas Christensen, Alexander Bah, Albert Grønbæk, Kasper Dolberg.
Denmark have several absentees during this international window, with Dorgu among those unavailable for the trip to Cardiff.
Højlund should lead the line again after scoring twice across Denmark’s opening three Nations League matches. Mikkel Damsgaard is also expected to retain his place after causing Wales plenty of problems in Copenhagen.
Wales vs Denmark prediction
Wales looked like a different side against Norway.
There was more intensity, James offered a genuine threat in behind and the Cardiff crowd finally had something to enjoy.
Denmark remain dangerous going forward, particularly through Damsgaard and Højlund, but seven goals conceded in three matches is difficult to ignore.
The Danes comfortably won the reverse fixture only seven days ago. This one should be much closer.
With three points separating Portugal from Denmark, Norway and Wales, plenty is riding on it too.
Score prediction: Wales 2-2 Denmark
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