Wales missed the chance to build on their victory over Norway as Denmark won 1-0 in Cardiff, with Rasmus Hojlund’s second-half penalty deciding the game.
Danny Ward had produced several excellent saves to keep Wales level but was at fault for the decisive moment in the 75th minute. The Wrexham goalkeeper gave possession away inside his own penalty area before bringing down Gustav Isaksen as he attempted to recover from the mistake.
Hojlund made no mistake from the spot, waiting for Ward to commit before sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Denmark had already beaten Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen and completed the double despite being without Mikkel Damsgaard and losing captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to injury inside the opening 10 minutes.
Wales had started positively, with Ethan Ampadu firing over from distance and Brennan Johnson volleying wide. But Denmark gradually assumed control and created the better chances before half-time.
Ward was called into action after Ben Cabango was caught in possession, saving from Hojlund, while Morten Hjulmand headed wide and Isaksen failed to find the target with two further attempts. Oliver Provstgaard also sent a header over as Denmark finished the half strongly.
Wales had 54% possession in the opening period but lacked the attacking threat they had shown in Thursday’s 3-0 victory over Norway.
They were under further pressure after the interval. Andreas Skov Olsen crossed from the right and Højlund’s sliding effort was kept out by Ward, who then produced the save of the night when Isaksen headed towards the bottom corner.
Ward appeared beaten but stretched out his right hand to divert the ball against the post.
The goalkeeper could not prevent Denmark taking the lead when his next major involvement proved costly. Cabango passed back to Ward, who attempted to move the ball on but miskicked straight to Isaksen. Ward then rushed out and caught the Denmark forward to concede the penalty.
Craig Bellamy responded with substitutions in an attempt to restore some of the energy that had marked the Norway win, but Wales could summon nothing.
