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As it happenedended

Gareth Bale's late goal not enough to prevent Denmark topping Nations League group

Kieran Jackson
Friday 16 November 2018 12:10 GMT
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Aaron Ramsey chases down Christian Eriksen
Aaron Ramsey chases down Christian Eriksen (Action Images via Reuters)

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Wales missed out on promotion to the top tier of the Nations League as Denmark won a passionate Cardiff contest 2-1.

Nicolai Jorgensen gave Denmark a half-time lead and Martin Braithwaite's superb volley two minutes from time doubled their advantage to seemingly end Welsh hopes.

But Gareth Bale's instant response, sliding home his 31st international goal after rounding Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, had the visitors hanging on at the end.

PA

68 mins: Wales 0-1 Denmark 

Connor Roberts takes aim from long range, a few too many shots taken from the same area. 

Schmeichel gathers the danger with three Wales players ready to pounce on any rebounds. 

Good keeping. 

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:12

Wales 0-1 Denmark 

Goalscorer Jorgensen is replaced by Dolberg. 

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:13

70 mins: Netherlands 1-0 France 

The French have finally turned up and decided to play some football with Dembele looking an immediate threat on the left hand side sending in a number of threatening crosses. 

All that said, Netherlands counter attack and Depay wins a free-kick from Pavard on the edge of the box. 

Danger. 

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:15

73 mins: CHANCE! Netherlands 1-0 France

The two former Manchester United players, Depay and Blind, stand over the free kick but it is Depay who takes. 

He avoids the wall but Lloris knows what he's trying and makes the save at his near post. 

He's been tested a fair bit this evening. 

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:17

74 mins: CHANCE! Netherlands 1-0 France 

LLoris is proving quite the barrier this evening. 

Griezmann just had a small chance at the other end before Netherlands counter and Depay decides to take the French team on, on his own. 

He moves the ball onto his left foot, leaving the defenders for dead but Lloris saves and sends the ball for a corner. 

Minutes later and he's forced into action again, and who by, but Memphis Depay. 

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:19

75 mins! CHANCE DENMARK!

 

The Danes have a great chance to kill the game with Yousef Poulsen given the opportunity to close the game. 

Fabulous work from Schone and Eriksen tees up the winger approaching the Wales box. 

All he has to do is keep the ball down and it's likely to be 2-0 but instead he balloons it over the bar meaning there is still only one goal in it. 

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:20

Schone is replaced by Lerager  after being caught by Lawrence's flailing elbow (not according to Dean Saunders on commentary, though...)

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:22

Final change for France sees Nzonzi replaced by Ndombele.

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:24

81 mins: CHANCE WALES! 

Clearest foul you'll see all day as Delaney stops Wilson running at the Denmark defence. 

Will that prove to be an error as Gareth Bale prepares to strike... 

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:25

82 mins: WHAT A SAVE KASPER SCHMEICHEL! 

Bale's free-kick couldn't have been more postage stamp if you'd asked him to try. 

It was due to hit that top corner, without a doubt, and the Leicester stopper is ready for it, stretching a palm to hit the ball, on to the bar, and out for a corner. 

Anyway, Saunders is now waxing lyrical about him being one of the best in the world. 

I'm enjoying the game but his commentary bias could do with sorting out. 

Nathan Jacobs16 November 2018 21:27

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