Wales vs Denmark preview: Resurgent Danes hope to avoid Amsterdam shock

Round of 16: Wales vs Denmark, kick-off 5pm (UK time, BBC One)

Danish despair turned to joy in Copenhagen on Monday night as Denmark recovered from the trauma of Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest to book their place in the last 16 of Euro 2020.

That stunning 4-1 victory over Russia means Kasper Hjulmand’s side will take on Wales in Amsterdam this evening, where they will hope to avoid an upset against one of the European Championship’s surprise packages.

The Dragons’ recent 1-0 defeat to Italy will have done little to dampen spirits in the Welsh camp after an impressive Group A showing, so both teams will fancy their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Story so far

Denmark’s campaign began with a 1-0 defeat to Finland in the immediate aftermath of Eriksen’s collapse and subsequent hospitalisation.

But after receiving positive news about the midfielder’s condition, the Danes’ performances in Group B went from strength to strength.

They were unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Belgium having held a half-time lead but made amends by romping to victory against Russia in Copenhagen to seize second place.

It was far more comfortable for Wales, who were already confident of qualification ahead of their final group game against the Italians. 

A 1-1 draw with Switzerland and an eye-catching 2-0 win against Turkey was enough to send them through.

Brilliant Bale key for Wales

In a team lacking household names, it is no surprise that Wales’ biggest superstar has come to the fore when it counts.

Gareth Bale’s sensational performances have provided a timely reminder of the wing wizard’s abilities ahead of his return to Real Madrid.

The former Tottenham forward, 31, may not have found the net at Euro 2020 but he has provided two assists and attempted 13 passes into the opposition box, which is inside the competition’s top 10 players.

With 1.31 expected goals (xG) for the tournament so far, it may not be too long before Bale gets on the scoresheet.

Damsgaard delight

Wales are not the only team being driven on by their creative fulcrum — Danish midfield maestro Mikkel Damsgaard is fast emerging as one of Euro 2020’s breakout stars.

The 20-year-old Sampdoria winger has stepped up to the plate in Eriksen’s absence, starting against both Belgium and Russia on the left side of Denmark’s fluid front three.

He announced himself on the European stage with a sumptuous long-range strike against the Russians and already has three international goals to his name in just five appearances.

Premier League clubs appear to be sitting up and taking notice, with Tottenham, West Ham and Leicester all reportedly interested in the former Nordsjaelland man.

Tired legs

After a relentless domestic season, Wales’ energy-sapping clash with Italy will not have been the best preparation for today’s game.

The Dragons were a man down for the final 35 minutes after Ethan Ampadu’s red card and barely saw the ball against the Azzurri — managing just 30.8% possession.

Bale acknowledged as much after the match. He said: "We knew it was going to be a very difficult game from the start.

"There was a lot of defending, a lot of running and a lot of tired bodies out there. I'm proud of the boys."

He added: "We'll get a little bit of a break now, patch everyone up, and get going again."

Wales will be hoping that an extra day of rest compared with Denmark may make up for their exertions last Sunday.

Neutral venue will test Danes

There is certainly a sense that the whole of Europe is behind Denmark as they bid to recover from events in Copenhagen a fortnight ago.

Eriksen’s absence has unified this Danish team and their supporters, which was evident from the raucous atmosphere inside the Parken Stadium on Monday night.

But today’s match in Amsterdam will be the first time Hjulmand’s men have played without their home fans cheering them on.

Though Danish fans are allowed to travel and the Welsh contingent are not, they will need to find another way to raise their game to ensure victory this evening.