Hosts Wales bow out of U19 Euros with Denmark defeat

Wales’ hopes of securing a Fifa Under-20 World Cup play-off place were ended after a 3-0 defeat by Denmark in the Uefa Men’s Under-19 Championship.

Chris Gunter’s side exited the tournament after losing all three of their Group A matches and failing to score a goal.

Denmark now progress to a play-off against the third-placed team from Group B at Bangor’s Nantporth Stadium on Wednesday.

The winner of that game will secure a place in the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2027 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Wales and Denmark entered Saturday’s final Group A fixture at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground without a point, having already suffered defeats to Spain and Germany.

Those results had confirmed Spain and Germany as the group’s top two sides, securing both semi-final places and automatic qualification for next year’s Under-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

After a closely contested opening 20 minutes, Denmark broke the deadlock when captain Ollti Hyseni curled a superb effort into the net from 20 yards, leaving goalkeeper Logan Stretch with no chance.

Denmark continued to threaten, with Alfred Gethler striking the crossbar from long range before the interval.

The visitors doubled their advantage just four minutes into the second half when Hjallte Larke’s free-kick found the net.

Hyseni’s second goal – a fine individual effort – sealed a comfortable win for Denmark.

Wales finished with 10-men after Cardiff City’s Jac Thomas received a second yellow card with a minute remaining for a foul on Julius Lucena.