RECAP: CYMRU SHOW THEY BELONG AMONG TOP TEAMS

Angharad Evans
2 days ago
3 min read

Cymru vs Denmark, photo by Ashley Crowden for the Football Association of Wales

Resilience. Belief. Determination.

The perfect recipe for a night under the lights at Cardiff City Stadium in early April.

This wasn’t just another Nations League fixture. This was yet another challenge for Cymru, and they were ready to meet it head-on. With a reputation growing and expectations rising, fans were ready to see how Rhian Wilkinson’s side would respond to their latest opponent.

Backed by over 6,700 fans and the echoing of ‘Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau’, Cymru stepped onto the pitch with belief – belief that they belonged here, belief that they could compete and belief that they could push Denmark all the way.

And for 90 minutes, that’s exactly what they did.

If crowd energy and support alone was enough to win a game, Cymru would have sailed through the game with fans keeping spirits high throughout, but unfortunately, on this occasion, Cymru fell short against Denmark.

It was Denmark who struck first, with Signe Brunn capitalising on a defensive lapse to fire the visitors ahead in just the 7th minute. Even at full stretch, Olivia Clark couldn’t stop the shot from finding the back of the net.

It wasn’t the start Cymru had hoped for, but the early setback didn’t unsettle Cymru, it gave them cause to step up to the challenge and come back stronger.

Denmark continued to pile on the pressure, searching for a second. A flurry of chances saw Clark tip Bredgaard’s effort over the bar, Ballisager rattle the woodwork with a header, and Kuhl fire wide on the rebound. Despite Denmark’s efforts, Cymru stood firm.

Gemma led the defensive charge, reading the game flawlessly, while Clark’s confident presence between the sticks kept Denmark at bay. Cymru weren’t just surviving, they were finding the rhythm and growing into the game.

And then came the moment of excellence.

With Cymru threatening on the break, Ceri found space on the edge of the box. One touch to control, a second to set, and third to thunder the ball into the net. A stunning strike. The stadium erupted!

1-1.

Then there was a shift. Cymru were moving the ball quicker, pressing higher, and playing with confidence. Hannah Cain came close a second firing just over the bar, but the sides ended the first half level, and deservedly so.

Cymru players had newly built confidence, and by the end of the first half, they looked more clinical and certain in their passes, keeping the score level as the whistle blew for half time.

Denmark once again started strong in second half, but Cymru matched them. Every tackle, every block, every clearance, Cymru weren’t going down without a fight.

Frustration began to show in the Danish side, with physical challenges creeping in as they struggled to regain control. Cymru held their shape, absorbed the pressure, and carved out another golden chance, but Cain was once again denied by the keeper with 72 minutes played.

Then came the sucker punch.

Just seconds after Cain’s opportunity, Denmark perfectly executed a counter attack. One quick move, one lapse in concentration, and Vangsgaard found the back of the net.

A devastating 2-1.

The crowd didn’t waver. They rallied, and so did the team.

But then silence.

Ceri Holland, Cymru’s driving force, went down in clear pain. A hush swept across the ground, fans holding their breath in anticipation, hoping Holland could shake it off. But this wasn’t the case. Stretchered off to a standing ovation and a sea of red, it was a cruel end to a standout performance. And a worrying moment for Cymru with the Euros on the horizon.

The final minutes were about composure, about staying in the game, and Cymru did just that.

This match ended in defeat, but this wasn’t a game defined by the scoreline, it was about belief. Cymru competed. Cymru created chances. Cymru challenged Denmark until the final whistle. From Hannah Cain’s near-perfect strike to Wilkinson’s tactical adjustments, this was a night full of promise.

Results don’t always tell the full story, and if this match was anything to go by, Cymru are growing, adapting, and ready to go again. The journey continues. Cymru are ready.