Wales seek Nations League momentum against Denmark in Cardiff
Wales captain Ben Davies says the team want to prove they belong in Nations League A as they host Denmark in Cardiff after ending a six-game winless run by beating Norway.
Wales captain Ben Davies has said his side are driven by a determination to show they can compete in Nations League A as they prepare to host Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday. The match follows Thursday's 2-1 comeback win over Norway, Wales' first victory in the competition's top tier and a result that ended a six-game winless sequence.
That run stretched back to a heavy win over North Macedonia last November, and included a World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, friendly draws with Northern Ireland and Ghana, and losses to Romania, Portugal and Denmark. Davies said the Norway display was a much better all-round performance and a marker that Wales belong against stronger teams, adding that the group takes confidence from the three points.
Wales' win over Norway was aided by the early second-half sending off of defender Torbjorn Heggem, though they had troubled the World Cup quarter-finalists before the red card. Davies stressed that all teams at this level are strong and that Wales are there to compete and give their best account of themselves.
Craig Bellamy's side remain without several injured players, including Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor, David Brooks and Harry Wilson, and the manager has said changes are unavoidable. Denmark, ranked 21st in the world and 17 places above Wales, won the sides' meeting in Copenhagen last Sunday after Wales had earned credit in defeat to Portugal in their opener.
Davies believes home advantage can be decisive. He said away games are much harder and that Wales did not get a grip on the game in Denmark, whereas facing Norway in Cardiff brought their own fans and atmosphere and gave them far more control. Supporters will hope the same setting helps Wales make their home advantage count.
Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency / BBC Sport
