Denmark clinches play‑off spot as Wales exit U19 Euros

Denmark secured a place in the inter‑confederation play‑off for the 2027 FIFA Under‑20 World Cup after a 3‑0 victory over Wales at the Racecourse Ground, leaving Chris Gunter’s side eliminated from the UEFA Men’s Under‑19 Championship with no points and no goals scored.

Wales and Denmark arrived at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday having failed to earn a point, each having lost to Spain and Germany earlier in the group. Derby County midfielder Cruz Allen featured for Wales during the match. Those earlier results had already guaranteed Spain and Germany the group’s top two places and automatic qualification for next year’s Under‑20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Denmark opened the scoring after twenty minutes when captain Ollti Hyseni curled a superb effort from twenty yards past goalkeeper Logan Stretch. The strike left Stretch with no chance and gave the visitors an early lead.

Before the break, Denmark continued to press, and Alfred Gethler struck the crossbar from long range, narrowly missing a second goal. The near‑miss underscored Denmark’s dominance in the first half.

Four minutes into the second half, Hjallte Larke converted a free‑kick to double Denmark’s advantage. The goal further dampened Wales’ hopes of a comeback.

Later, Hyseni added his second of the match with a fine individual effort, sealing a comfortable win for Denmark. His brace highlighted the Danish captain’s impact on the game.

Wales finished the match with ten men after Cardiff City’s Jac Thomas received a second yellow card for a foul on Julius Lucena with a minute remaining. Thomas’s dismissal left the Welsh side short‑handed in the closing stages.

Denmark now travel to Bangor’s Nantporth Stadium on Wednesday to face the third‑placed team from Group B in a play‑off. The winner will secure a place in the inter‑confederation play‑offs for the 2027 FIFA Under‑20 World Cup.