Wales vs Denmark: Will the Dragons slay Denmark’s Euro dream?
Wales and Denmark are set to lock horns in Amsterdam as the Euro 2020 round of 16 gets underway. Both sides secured their spot here by finishing as runners up in their respective quartets, although Denmark’s path to this juncture has been nothing short of a very difficult experience. The Danish Dynamite have had to endure quite a bit of emotional trauma following star man Christian Eriksen’s terrifying collapse during their group stage opener against Finland.
While the Inter man fortunately looks on the path to recovery, his absence has been keenly felt, and rightfully so. Still reeling, Denmark had to resume action against Finland and were beaten by the minnows 1-0. They then had to face no. 1 ranked team Belgium and despite losing 2-1, put in a highly inspirational performance. In fact, Kasper Hjulmand’s men took an early lead, only for Belgium to claw their way back into the game after Roberto Martinez brought on Kevin De Bruyne as a substitute.
Thus, on matchday three, Denmark knew they needed a win if they wanted to keep their qualification hopes alive for the round of 16. They got it, a well-deserved resounding 4-1 win over Russia. Although they’d earned just three points, it was enough to pip Russia and Finland to the runners-up spot in Group B due to their better goal differential, with four of their five group stage goals coming during their thrashing of Russia. In making it here, Denmark have also made history: No team have ever been able to qualify for the knockout rounds after losing their first two group stage games.
So now, riding high after their historic achievement, Denmark will now face Wales. The Dragons started their second consecutive Euro tournament off on slightly wobbly footing, as they had to battle from 1-0 down to secure a draw with Switzerland. However, Rob Paige’s side rebounded brilliantly to earn a well-earned 2-0 win over Turkey, despite Gareth Bale missing a spot-kick. That meant that despite losing 1-0 to Italy, Wales had done just enough to book a ticket to the round of 16; even though Switzerland also finished on four points, their heavy loss to Italy meant La Nati had to settle for third spot.
Wales have been in excellent form lately, with just two losses from their last 16 competitive games. The Dragons also haven’t lost consecutive matches since June 2019, but they have historically struggled – both against their upcoming opponents and at this venue. Of the ten prior meetings between Wales and Denmark, Denmark have won six. There haven’t been any draws. In addition, Denmark beat Wales both home and away during the 2018 UEFA Nations League, but this will be the first meeting between the two sides at a major competitive tournament.
Both teams will have largely a full-strength squad. Denmark, of course, will be missing Eriksen as the Inter star obviously won’t be able to return to the pitch any time soon. Wales, meanwhile, will have to make do without Ethan Ampadu after he was sent off during their loss to the Azzurri.
All in all, everyone’s eyes will be on this match as it’s the opener for the round of 16. Will it set the tone for what else is in store down the road? And will the history-making Danes be able to continue their story? Or will the Dragons slay that dream as they look to make another deep run in their second consecutive Euro competition?
