Bellamy 'hurting' as Denmark outclass Wales
Wales manager Craig Bellamy says he is hurting after a 2-0 Nations League A defeat in Denmark, but believes his side will improve as they prepare for two home games.
Wales suffered a 2-0 Nations League A defeat away to Denmark at Parken Stadium, with both goals coming from set-pieces. An own goal by captain Ben Davies and a strike from Gustav Isaksen gave Brian Riemer's side the win, leaving Craig Bellamy's team without a point from their away double-header against Portugal and Denmark and winless in six matches.
Denmark dominated the early stages and Mikkel Damsgaard hit the post shortly after Isaksen had a goal disallowed for offside. Wales improved after the opening half an hour, but were undone by the two set-piece goals. Bellamy said the challenge was different from the Portugal game but very difficult, and admitted the best team won.
Bellamy described himself as hurting after seeing an athletic team run over his side a little, but expressed confidence that the team and its players will keep improving, noting that young players are coming through. He said he remains focused on the two remaining games, asking how he can help the players improve and how he can improve himself.
Captain Ben Davies said Wales were taught harsh lessons in the top tier of the Nations League, calling the defeat frustrating because both goals came from set-pieces. He warned that teams are punished at this level if they are not at 100%, and said the squad must regroup for Thursday.
Winger Sorba Thomas echoed the manager's sentiments, pointing to the two home games still to come and the need to show a reaction with home advantage. He said the team will get better, describing Wales as a small nation with big hearts and beliefs that must be shown more on the pitch.
Wales now prepare for the remainder of the international break at Cardiff City Stadium, facing Norway on Thursday, 1 October, and then Denmark the following Sunday. Bellamy's side will hope home advantage helps them secure their first points of the campaign.
