Bellamy 'hurting' as Wales defeated 2-0 by Denmark in Copenhagen

Craig Bellamy said he was "hurting" after Denmark beat Wales 2-0 at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen in a UEFA Nations League A match on 27 September 2026. A Ben Davies own goal and a strike from Gustav Isaksen secured victory for Brian Riemer's side.

The loss left Wales winless in six matches in 2026 and with no points from their away Nations League A double-header with Portugal and Denmark. The defeat came three days after a 1-0 loss to Portugal in Lisbon, and Bellamy said he still expected improvement from his squad, adding: "I'm really hurting. When you see an athletic team run over you a little bit... but then, will we improve? I think we will." "This team will get better, these players will keep improving. There are young ones coming in well after I'm gone."

Denmark dominated the opening period; Mikkel Damsgaard struck the post shortly after Isaksen had a goal ruled out for offside. Wales offered more after the opening half hour but were ultimately undone by two set-piece situations that produced the decisive goals.

Reflecting on the challenge presented by the Danes, Bellamy said: "I said to the players before the game, 'this is going to be tougher than Portugal'," and added: "It was a different challenge but a very difficult one. The best team won overall. "As disappointed as I am with that, the result I probably think was fair."

Captain Ben Davies, speaking to BBC Match of the Day Wales, described the match as difficult and criticised the manner of the goals conceded: "It was a tough game. They are a good team and made it a hard game for us. "It was really frustrating to concede from two set-pieces. The Nations League games are against the best teams in Europe, it was always going to be tough. "If you're not at 100% then you are going to get punished at this level. We have to regroup and go again on Thursday."

Winger Sorba Thomas told BBC Match of the Day Wales the squad must respond at home: "Thankfully we've got two games at home still to come. We'll have home advantage so we need to show a reaction," and added: "We are just going to get better. We are a small nation but we've got big hearts and beliefs and for us it's about showing that more on the pitch." Wales will play those home fixtures at Cardiff City Stadium, hosting Norway on Thursday, 1 October, before facing Denmark there the following Sunday.

Bellamy reiterated his immediate focus on the remaining matches of the international break, saying: "For me now it's just focus, two more games to go. How can I help you improve for the next two games but also how can I improve?" He will have the home double-header beginning with Norway on Thursday, 1 October, then Denmark the next Sunday to try to arrest Wales' run of results.