Wales manager Craig bellamy said he was “really hurting” after his side were comprehensively beaten 2-0 by Denmark in a Nations League A match at copenhagen’s Parken Stadium on 27 September 2026. Ben Davies’ own goal and a strike from Gustav Isaksen earned Denmark the win and left Wales without a point or a goal from their opening two Group A4 fixtures.
- Denmark beat Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen with a Ben Davies own goal and a Gustav Isaksen strike.
- Craig Bellamy said he was "really hurting" and accepted Denmark were deserved winners.
- Wales have no points or goals from their first two Nations League A fixtures and sit bottom of Group A4.
- Wales face Norway at cardiff and a home return against Denmark next, fixtures seen as crucial for avoiding relegation from League A.
What happened in Copenhagen
Denmark dominated large spells of the game, particularly in the first half, creating several openings and testing Wales’ defensive shape. Mikkel Damsgaard struck the post after a disallowed Danish goal, and the hosts continued to press after the break.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half when a Damsgaard free-kick led to what was recorded as an own goal by Wales captain Ben Davies. Denmark doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Isaksen reacted quickest to a loose ball and his shot deflected into the net.
Wales had moments of promise, including a Brennan Johnson and Sorba Thomas combination that produced a close-range effort tipped away by Denmark goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen before the interval, but could not fashion a goal.
Where this leaves Wales
The defeat follows a 1-0 loss to portugal three days earlier, leaving Bellamy’s team winless in six matches in 2026 and bottom of their Nations League group with no points or goals from the opening double-header against two of the section’s stronger sides.
BBC Sport and The Guardian reported Bellamy acknowledged Denmark were the better team on the night and said the result was probably fair. He said he believed his squad would improve from playing regularly against top-level opposition and that his priority was to help his players get better over the remaining fixtures in the international window.
Coach and player reactions
Bellamy: Both BBC Sport and The Guardian quoted Bellamy saying he was “really hurting” and that, despite the disappointment, he expects improvement from the group. He highlighted the challenge of facing highly athletic opposition and said his focus is on the next two games.
Ben Davies: The Wales captain described the match as a harsh lesson against top opposition, telling BBC Match of the Day Wales that conceding from two set-pieces was “really frustrating” and that the team must regroup for the home fixtures to come.
Sorba Thomas: The winger, also speaking to Match of the Day Wales and reported by BBC, echoed Bellamy’s belief in progress and pointed to the advantage of having upcoming home matches where Wales must respond.
Context and immediate implications
Wales are playing in Nations League A for the second time and face a difficult task to avoid relegation from the top tier after two straight defeats to Portugal and Denmark. The schedule does not ease: Wales return to Cardiff to host Norway, featuring Erling Haaland, on 1 October before a home rematch with Denmark the following Sunday, according to match coverage in the sources.
Bellamy made six changes from the Portugal game, including the selection of Charlie Savage in midfield. The Guardian noted Savage’s inclusion as a notable surprise amid several squad withdrawals; his previous senior appearances had come against Gibraltar.
How Denmark imposed themselves
Reports describe Denmark as physically dominant and incisive in transition. They created the clearer chances throughout and looked likely to score even before the first goal was recorded; VAR intervened to rule out a Rasmus Højlund finish for offside in the first half and Damsgaard’s shot hit the post shortly afterwards.
Denmark’s victory marked a response following their own 3-2 defeat to Norway earlier in the window and, per match reports, they should have won by a greater margin given the opportunities they produced.
What to watch next
- Wales’ response at home: The next two fixtures—against Norway and then Denmark in Cardiff—will be crucial for Bellamy’s side to halt the slide and pick up their first points and goals in Group A4.
- Defensive organisation: Both major outlets highlighted Wales’ vulnerability from set-pieces in Copenhagen; shoring up set-piece defending will be an immediate tactical task for the coaching staff.
- Selection and fitness updates: The Guardian reported a potential injury concern for Denmark’s Patrick Dorgu, who reportedly headed off down the tunnel during the match; both teams’ squad availability ahead of Cardiff will influence preparation.
Timeline of key events (27–30 September 2026)
- 27 Sep 2026 – Nations League: Denmark 2–0 Wales at Parken Stadium; Ben Davies own goal and Gustav Isaksen strike decide the match (BBC Sport, The Guardian).
- 27 Sep 2026 – Post-match: Craig Bellamy describes himself as “really hurting” and accepts Denmark were deserving winners (BBC Sport, The Guardian).
- 1 Oct 2026 – Wales to host Norway in Cardiff (reported fixtures in match coverage).
- Following week – Wales to host Denmark in Cardiff for the Nations League return fixture (reported in coverage).
Bottom line
The Copenhagen defeat was a clear setback for Wales under Craig Bellamy: beaten by a superior Denmark side, left pointless and goalless in Group A4, and facing two important home fixtures to arrest their slide. Bellamy has publicly stressed his belief that the squad will develop from regular exposure to top-level opposition, but the immediate task is practical and urgent: regroup defensively, capitalise on home advantage and secure points in the coming matches.