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Wales go down to Vangsgaard winner

Wales 1 (Holland 34)

Dernmark 2 (Bruun 7, Vangsgaard 72)  

Wales are still searching for their first win in the UEFA Women’s Nations League after going down to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Denmark at

the Cardiff City Stadium.

The last time they met at the same venue, Wales were heavily beaten by a Pernille Harder-inspired Danish team but this time around, they were handed a tough lesson in the importance of seizing opportunities as Denmark struck the decisive blow moments after Hannah Cain spurned a chance to put Rhian Wilkinson’s side ahead.

The match dealt Wales a further setback when goalscorer Ceri Holland was stretchered off late on following a robust challenge that required extended on-pitch treatment. Wilkinson will now await a medical update on the Wales winger, hoping for encouraging news ahead of upcoming fixtures including the Euro 2025 Finals.

The contest was fiercely fought from the outset, with Denmark asserting early dominance and carving out more openings. Their pressure paid off when Signe Bruun fired them into the lead. Wales appeared rattled for a spell as Denmark pushed for a second, but Wilkinson’s team showcased their resilience to keep the deficit at one.

Wales gradually turned the tide and began to impose themselves, sensing an equaliser was within reach. Their persistence was rewarded from a corner as the ball fell to Holland, who kept her composure and lashed a superb strike into the top corner from a tight angle to level the score at 1-1.

Momentum seemed to swing Wales’ way, and the home faithful believed their side would go ahead when Alice Griffiths’ long pass sent Cain racing through one-on-one with Danish goalkeeper Maja Bay Østergaard. As anticipation built, Østergaard stood tall to deny Cain, triggering a swift Denmark counter. Amalie Vangsgaard found herself bearing down on Olivia Clark and coolly slotted home to restore Denmark’s lead at 2-1 — a goal that ultimately proved the difference.

Wales now head to Gothenburg to face Sweden in their next UEFA Women’s Nations League outing on Tuesday, 8 April.

Wales: Olivia Clark, Rhiannon Roberts, Lily Woodham, Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Josie Green (sub Elise Hughes 87mins), Ceri Holland (sub Ella Powell 87mins), Angharad James (sub Alice Griffiths 66mins), Rachel Rowe (sub Lois Joel 66mins), Ffion Morgan (sub Carrie Jones 45mins), Hannah Cain. Subs not used: Laura O’Sullivan, Sofia Middleton-Patel, Mayzee Davies, Mary McAteer, Jessica Fishlock, Charlie Estcourt, Esther Morgan.   

Denmark: Maja Bay Østergaard, Sanne Troelsgaard, Stine Ballisager, Katrine Veje (sub Sofie Svava 45mins), Frederikke Thogersen, Josefine Hasbo, Sara Holmgaard, Kathrine Moller Kuhl (sub Janni Thomsen 59mins), Signe Bruun (sub Amalie Vangsgaard 59mins), Pernille Harder, Sofie Bredgaard (sub Emma Snerle 59mins). Subs not used: Kathrine Larsen, Alberte Vingum, Sara Thrige, Emma Faerge, Isabella Obaze, Cornelia Kramer, Johanna Fossdalsa, Olivia Holdt.  

Photo - Ceri Holland fires in the equaliser for Wales  (Will Cheshire).