Denmark thrash Wales to qualify for quarter-finals as Dolberg nets brace

Denmark thrash Wales to qualify for quarter-finals as Dolberg scores two goals, Maehle scores the third and Braithwaite scores the fourth - Euro 2020

Denmark thrash Wales to qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.

Kasper Hjulmand's side took the lead in the 27th minute when Kasper Dolberg curled in a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area, backed by a raucous and nearly entirely Danish crowd.

Dolberg scored his second goal in the 48th minute, capitalising on a mistake by Wales substitute Neco Williams to score from close range.

As Joakim Maehle added a late third for the delighted Danes, Wales were dejected and never looked like fighting their way back into the game.

Substitute Harry Wilson received a straight red card after a late tackle on Maehle, and Martin Braithwaite scored the fourth goal in additional time as Wales' gruelling campaign came to a halt.

Robert Page's team had done well to advance from a challenging Group A that included Italy, Switzerland, and Turkey, but the excellent Danish side proved to be too much for them.

Denmark had already offered the inspiring tale of Euro 2020, demonstrating amazing will to reach this level after midfielder Christian Eriksen's recovery from a heart crisis galvanised the team.

The next stop on their fairy-tale journey will be Baku, where they will face either the Netherlands or the Czech Republic in a quarter-final on Saturday.

Wales, on the other hand, will return home fatigued but pleased with their achievements in reaching the knockout stages of a major competition for the third time in only their third appearance.

Man of the Match: Kasper Dolberg (Denmark)

🇩🇰 Two-goal hero Kasper Dolberg is rewarded for his fine display in Amsterdam ⚽️⚽️

🤔 Did you predict that? @Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/04vbMttD9d

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 26, 2021

What the players and managers said

Kasper Dolberg, Denmark forward: "It's completely crazy. I actually don't know how I feel. This is total madness. It's surreal. It was here [at the Johan Cruijff ArenA] where it all started for me, and to play here again in this setting was insane."

Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark coach: "It's hard to believe that this is reality. I admire the boys and the fact we can keep fighting. No matter who plays, they play very well. The guys are true warriors."

Gareth Bale, Wales captain: "It's not how we wanted the game to go. From our point of view we started very well, and then the game changed. We tried to play in the second half but made a mistake to concede, which killed the momentum on our side."

Joakim Mæhle, Denmark defender: "Look at the support we had in Amsterdam. It's completely nuts. The self-confidence and the courage we bring is something we must take even further. We're not worried who we're going to meet. We are focusing on ourselves and our qualities."

Joe Allen, Wales midfielder: "Our game plan was to really impose ourselves, give them problems and put them on the back foot. In fairness, early on, we did do that. They made some changes and swung the momentum in their favour, and obviously, the goal changes everything."

Wales 0-4 Denmark: Watch the full match highlights