Wales manager Robert Page has warned Euro 2020 opponents Denmark not to underestimate the counter-attacking qualities of his squad. The two nations go head to head in the round of 16 on Saturday and Page is backing Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Daniel James to shine, the BBC reports.
Five years ago Wales reached the semi-finals of the Euros and Page says his side are “full of confidence” ahead of the tie in Amsterdam. “We know we can hurt teams,” he added. “It’s going to be an extremely tough game against Denmark, who are nothing short of impressive. They went toe-to-toe with Belgium for 90 minutes. But like I said to the players, they’ll have to show us respect. If I saw our team sheet as an opposing manager, I’d be very respectful of what we’ve got on paper as well.
“We’ve shown our resilience. We’ve shown we can be hard to break down. We’re going to need that in abundance, but we know in transition we’ve got players on that pitch who are the best in Europe.”
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Hjulmand hails Danish team spirit
Denmark lost their opening two group B matches but stormed into the knockout rounds after beating Russia 4-1. Head coach Kasper Hjulmand paid tribute to his squad after they fought back from the two defeats and the shock of Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.
“The motivation, the team spirit, the friendship among the players was amazing,” said Hjulmand. “We played three games on a very high level and if someone deserves this it’s our players. I can’t imagine how they managed to come back from what they went through, so a big credit to the boys, and thanks a lot for the support we’ve got from the whole of Denmark.”
After the team achieved their goal of making it out of the group, forward Kasper Dolberg says that an “awesome” match awaits them in Amsterdam. “Hjulmand feels we have a good chance against Wales… so we’ll see what happens.”
Kick-off time and TV details
The round of 16 clash between Wales and Denmark takes place on Saturday 26 June at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Kick-off is at 5pm (BST) and the match is live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Wales team news
Ethan Ampadu is suspended and will miss the match following his sending off against Italy in the final group game. Wales do not have any other injury concerns though.
Page could revert back to the 4-5-1 formation that he used in the opening two matches - the draw against Switzerland and the win against Turkey. This would mean Kieffer Moore starting up top with support from Bale and Ramsey, says SportsMole.
Wales possible starting XI (4-5-1): Ward; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Morrell, Allen; Bale, Ramsey, James; Moore
Denmark team news
The absence of Eriksen has seen Denmark boss Hjulmand switch to a 3-4-3 formation with captain Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen and Jannik Vestergaard as the three centre-backs, The Telegraph reports. Kjær has been receiving treatment, but Hjulmand is confident that his skipper will be ready. Sture Sandø, Uefa.com’s Denmark reporter, says the only question is whether the Danes “line up with a back three, which proved so successful against Russia, or a back four”.
Denmark possible starting XI (3-4-3): Schmeichel; Mæhle, Vestergaard, Kjær, Christensen, Wass; Højbjerg, Delaney; Poulsen, Damsgaard, Braithwaite
Pundit predictions: who will win?
Tom Hamilton, ESPN: “This match will be played back at Eriksen’s old Ajax home in Amsterdam, so expect the bulk of the support to be in Denmark’s favour. We think they’ll continue their Euro 2020 journey with a win against Rob Page’s spirited Wales.”
Alex Young, London Evening Standard: “You feel the momentum is with the Danes after their thrashing of Russia and cannot be ignored as the story of the tournament after Christian Eriksen’s collapse. Wales have an extra day’s rest, and the more recent knockout stage experience, which could play a part come potential extra time or even penalties. Wales 2-1 Denmark (aet).”
Sachin Bhat, SportsKeeda: “Denmark have won both their most recent clashes against Wales and will hence enter the match with a psychological advantage. However, the Dragons have more experience playing in the knockout stages of this competition, which holds them in good stead. It’s going to be a tough encounter but we’re placing our bets on Gareth Bale and Co to win and reach the last eight. Prediction: Wales 2-1 Denmark.”
Steve Luckings, The National: “We haven’t seen the best of the Danes yet, although they put on a show against Russia to punch their ticket to the last-16. Wales have matchwinners in Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, but a repeat of their run to the semis of five years ago may just be beyond them. Prediction: Denmark to advance.”
Telegraph Sport: “Wales have grown stronger after a shaky first hour of the tournament against Switzerland, and unlike several teams of their stature have bona fide attacking class in Ramsey and Bale. Denmark have a fine collection of centre-backs though, well protected by Thomas Delaney and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and won’t be caught out by late runs from deep as Turkey were against Wales. Add Denmark’s extra motivation to honour their stricken team-mate Eriksen, and we fancy them to have too much. Verdict: Wales 1 Denmark 2.”
Daniel Lewis, SportsMole: “Denmark got the better of Wales home and away when the sides met in the 2018 Uefa Nations League and are seven places higher than their opponents in the Fifa rankings. However, the Dragons have had a day’s extra rest and have more recent experience of competing in the knockout stages of a major tournament, which will surely come in handy. None of the previous ten meetings between the sides have finished level, with Wales winning four to Denmark’s six, so we can see the game going the distance. Wales 1-1 Denmark (Wales to win on penalties).”
Mike Tuckerman, The Roar: “After roaring into the round of 16 amid emotional scenes in Copenhagen, Denmark will hope to make their momentum count against a battle-hardened Wales. This one could go the distance, but the Danes might just shade proceedings.”
