It was a disappointing end to this round of Nations League games with Wales in third place based on their win over Norway. What now remains is what seems a dogfight between Wales and Norway with the next game away to the Scandinavians in November followed by a home game against Portugal.

Thursday’s joy gave way to Sunday’s frustration as Wales fell to Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium. Danny Ward had kept Craig Bellamy’s side level with two excellent saves, but his misplaced pass and subsequent foul on Gustav Isaksen handed Rasmus Højlund the decisive penalty in the 75th minute. Wales struggled to rediscover the energy and attacking spark of their victory over Norway, leaving a third defeat in four group games. There was further disappointment for Swansea’s Ben Cabango, whose booking rules him out of November’s trip to Norway. Wales nevertheless sit third, ahead of Norway on head-to-head results after the Norwegians lost 2–1 in Portugal. The final two games now carry considerable weight.

Bellamy pointed to the physical demands of the four-game international window, arguing that injuries and limited squad depth put Wales at a disadvantage against bigger nations. “We started well, and then as the game unfolded the intensity started to drop for us,” he said. He also defended Ward, stressing that his earlier saves had kept Wales in the contest while Denmark’s pressure grew.

Bellamy also questioned the longer international break, believing four matches in 11 days favoured bigger nations with deeper squads. He explained that injuries now leave players unavailable for four fixtures rather than two, placing greater strain on those still available. Wales’ lack of regular club minutes among some players made sustaining the intensity even harder. “It makes no sense,” he said of the physical demands, arguing that the format was “designed for the elites.”

Wales return with two fixtures in November against Portugal at home and first Norway away.

Now all Swans fans focus is the EFL Championship.

Quotes attributed to Irish Times