Thursday gave followers of Wales something they badly needed: a night to enjoy, a team to believe in and three points earned through determination and attacking intent. The 2–1 win over Norway brought the noise back to Cardiff. This evening, against Denmark, the challenge is to keep it there.

Nobody needs reminding how disappointing Copenhagen was a week ago. Wales were beaten 2–0 and never really imposed themselves. Getting another crack at the Danes so quickly feels welcome, especially with Dan James and Neco Williams having helped restore confidence against Norway. Wales, Denmark and Norway are now level on three points behind Portugal. Suddenly, there is something to fight for. Another victory would give Bellamy’s side a real lift before the November fixtures and send supporters home believing that Wales can compete at this level.

Craig Bellamy (below) wants Wales to carry Thursday’s standards into tonight’s meeting with Denmark: “We have to perform like we did against Norway,” he said, stressing “consistency and perform, perform, perform.” The manager also accepted responsibility for the disappointing display in Copenhagen, admitting: “I got loads wrong, have to be honest.” Having learned from that defeat, his challenge now is to show that the Norway performance can be repeated, although he confirmed changes would be necessary: “There will be one or two changes because we have to.”

Bellamy wants consistency, although four matches in this window mean changes are expected. Whoever starts must bring the same willingness to press, show for the ball and get forward. Supporters will accept difficult spells against good opposition; they want to see Wales giving Denmark problems of their own. Ben Cabango will hope to keep his place alongside Ben Davies, while Liam Cullen’s involvement offers another familiar interest for Swans followers. Further forward, the pace of James and the delivery of Sorba Thomas could be crucial if selected. Wales need runners attacking the box and the confidence to make promising possession count. For Swans supporters, there was particular satisfaction in watching Ben Cabango help keep Erling Haaland quiet on Thursday. Alongside Ben Davies, he gave the Norwegian precious little room to make his presence felt, showing the concentration and composure needed against a striker who can punish one lapse. “In his pocket” is how the fans will tell it, and Cabango certainly gave them reason to enjoy the phrase. That is the standard he will want to carry into tonight.

Denmark remain dangerous. Højlund can punish mistakes and their midfield has the quality to control a game. But defeats against Norway and Portugal show there are opportunities, provided Wales are brave enough and sharp enough to take them. The Red Wall has a job too. Get behind the team when the passes go astray, keep the volume up when Denmark have possession and make this game feel like home advantage is the winner. Denmark head into tonight’s clash with Wales with a heavily depleted squad, having lost Mikkel Damsgaard, Patrick Dorgu, Andreas Christensen, Alexander Bah, Kasper Dolberg, Albert Grønbæk and Nikolas Nartey through injury, while Victor Bak has withdrawn through illness. Christian Eriksen, Mathias Jensen and William Osula were already unavailable before the international camp began. Damsgaard is the latest casualty, with Norwich City’s Mathias Kvistgaarden called up as his replacement, leaving Brian Riemer with a 22-man squad for the game this evening.

Thursday reminded everyone how good a Wales night can feel. Now give us another.

This game will be screened LIVE on BBC 2.

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