Wales
Denmark
Denmark
Wales and Denmark clash in the first knockout match of Euro 2020
Denmark to win 1-0
Both Wales and Denmark have done well to reach the knockout phase of the competition, with both battling back from tough starts in their groups to qualify in second position of Groups A and B respectively.
They each won just one of their three games, with Wales also picking up a point from their opening game against Switzerland, but in a knockout format, it’s only the result on the day that matters and with a Quarter Final position awaiting the winner, there is plenty at stake.
Wales came alive during their game against Turkey, with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey running the show in a 2-0 win. Despite defeat to Italy in the final game, they deserved to qualify in second.
Denmark had a troubled start to the tournament, with Christian Eriksen suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch, and losing to both Finland and Belgium.
However, a spirited comeback against Russia means that they blasted their way up the table to secure their position in the last 16.
World Ranking: 17
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Semi Finals, 2016
Reasons to be cheerful:
Have knockout experience from Euro 2016
Will have benefitted from an extra day of rest
Reasons to be fearful:
Denmark will have most people’s backing
Ampadu will be suspended after sending off against Italy
Wales have looked to continue where they left off at Euro 2016 over the past couple of weeks, quietly going about their business and ensuring that they qualify for the knockout phase once again.
Just one win and a draw was enough to secure second place for Wales in Group A, behind Italy and, in truth, it was one game against Turkey which made all the difference, winning 2-0.
Coach Rob Page will be pleased that his players have had an extra day of rest over their opponents here, although on the flip side, very few Wales fans will have been allowed to travel due to Covid restrictions, meaning that Denmark will have far greater support.
Can they repeat their heroics of five years ago?
Star Man – Gareth Bale
With two assists to his name from the group stage, Bale has proved that he is still a quality player and can split defences apart with his passing and running ability.
World Ranking: 10
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Winners, 1992
Reasons to be cheerful:
Huge win over Russia will have brought confidence
Will have lion’s share of support inside stadium and around globe
Reasons to be fearful:
Wales have more recent experience at this level
Can they pick themselves up from emotional win over Russia?
Not only are Denmark likely to have more fans inside the stadium than Wales, they are also likely to be cheered on by most neutrals around the world who witnessed their tragic events during their opening group game.
It was clear that their home support was a huge help to them as they beat Russia 4-1 in their final group game to qualify, and they’ll be hoping for more of the same here.
They beat Wales home and away in recent qualifying games, however haven’t reached the knockout stage of a Euros since 2004, meaning that they could be a little rusty at this level.
Regardless, they’ll go out with the same amount of passion that they’ve shown so far in this tournament.
Star Man – Yussuf Poulsen
Has two goals for the Danes so far and will be looking to continue his hot streak here.
Could be a tight game with few clear cut chances
Denmark will be boosted by support
Wales are underdogs but can still spring a surprise
With the Netherlands the likely opponent awaiting one of these sides in the next round, it’s crucial they Wales and Denmark get off to a good start here.
Both have played up and down so far, for mixed reasons, but this is their chance to set down a marker and reach the last eight of a major tournament.
The fact that Denmark have plenty of support inside the stadium should make them favourites, although Wales have surprised one or two teams before.
Denmark to win 1-0
