UEFA Euro 2020: Denmark vs Wales Preview
Written By Dare Solomon
Wales and Denmark go head to head at a major tournament for the first time as they meet at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam.
While the two teams qualified as first runner-up in their respective group, Denmark had nine days to turn around their traumatic and fast ending campaign in group B, defeating Russia 4-1 in the last group game.
For wales, a better goal difference of plus one put them ahead of Swiss national team in group A despite losing to Italy in the last match of the group.
Wales
Style of Play
A lot seems to have changed since Rob Page took over the team. From the infusion of young players to a 3-4-3 formation to accommodate their top stars in Ramsey and Bale upfront which gives Allen the needed opportunity to be the creator.
This obviously has not been as convincing as their EURO 2016 journey shows. However, the good work of the trident of Rodon, Ampadu and Gunter have kept them till this stage, and with Ramsey often dropping back to the midfield give the team extra legs and quality for chances to be created upfront.
Recent Form
Wales suffered their first loss at Euro 2020 when they fell 1-0 to Italy on Sunday. Before that defeat, the Welsh team had already ensured their passage to the knock-out stages of the tournament, having ended their match with Switzerland in a draw and winning 2-0 against Russia. Gareth Bale & Co. have managed to score more than a goal in only one of the previous eight clashes. One of their last five clashes featured over 2.5 goals, and only one saw goals for both teams.
Player to Watch
Aaron Ramsey – Gareth Bale has now failed to find the net in his last 14 internationals, Ramsey has shown leadership skills though, he became the first Welshman to score in two major tournaments when he put his team ahead on Matchday 2 against Turkey.
Injury update: Ethan Ampadu is suspended.
Denmark
Style of play
After playing a back four with three at the middle in their first two games, the Danes switched to a 3-4-2-1 in their final game and that was partly what gave them the victory and qualification. Denmark will continue with a back three after turning their group stage campaign around since that tactical switch with Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Barcelona’s Braithwaite playing directly behind Poulsen.
Recent Form
The Red Dynamites have conceded more than a goal in just three of the last twenty-four games and on all three occasions, it was Belgium who penetrated Denmark’s defense more than once. Two of the team’s last five outings resulted in over 2,5 goals, as three witnessed goals at both ends.
Player to Watch
Yussuf Poulsen – The 27 year old striker has been an extra push for the team scoring two goals and ensuring Denmark is the team with most chances of the group stage of Euro 2020. If Denmark can keep up with such creativity standards, Poulsen will definitely have a fun filled day in front of goal.
Injury Update: Christain Ericksen will be watching from home after leaving the hospital due to the cardiac arrest which made him collapse in his country’s first game against Finland. Centre-back Simon Kjaer is in doubt but he is expected to shake off a knock to start against Wales.
Head-to-Head: All ten of the teams’ meetings have produced a winner, Denmark recording six victories and Wales four.
Prediction: Emotions and sympathy aside, the two teams look evenly matched but the creative advantage of Denmark will make them win in 90 mins.Wale 1-3 Denmark.
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