Denmark claimed a prized three points in the UEFA Nations League, beating Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen.
A well-matched first half saw both teams pepper each other's goals. Gustav Isaksen had the ball in the net for the Red and Whites before VAR chalked it off for offside.
The contest became more one-sided in the second period as Brian Riemer's side took control and went two goals ahead as a result of set-pieces, Ben Davies brushing it into his own net and Isaksen getting his name on the scoreboard with a deflected finish.
Pre-match, Wales head coach Craig Bellamy called Parken one of his favourite stadiums, due to his contributions to two away victories as a player, which included his first international goal.
Tonight, however, provided less glittering memories and more awkward questions prior to meeting Erling Haaland's Norway on Thursday.
Story of the Match
Isaksen was the singular change from Denmark's 3-2 loss to Norway. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Morten Hjulmand continued their partnership in the middle, despite Hojbjerg's public frustrations with the pairing.
On the other end of the spectrum, Bellamy made six changes from the defeat in Lisbon, including a notable recall for Connor Roberts to the starting eleven. Midfielder Charlie Savage was also awarded his first cap since 2024's goalless draw with Gibraltar.
A slow start saw the hosts with the majority of the ball, but both sides taking their time to unfurl any attacking ideas. Some direct play from Lazio's Isaksen provided the first eyebrow-raising moments of the evening.
A smart touch took him inside of Neco Williams before he unleashed a powerful effort well wide of the post. Moments later, his lofty cross found the head of Patrick Dorgu for an off-target header.
Five minutes later, Isaksen popped up again to cause further issues, netting what looked to be the opener with a sumptuous volley. Unfortunately for the home side, Rasmus Hojlund, who set Isaksen up, strayed offside in the build-up.
The Danish pressure continued to swell in the immediate aftermath, Mikkel Damsgaard hitting the post after an anchoring shot from the edge of the box.
Wales rode it out for the time being, and came close to hitting back themselves through positive wing play of their own from Sorba Thomas. The Hull City man cut in from the left to wrap his foot around the ball and send it whistling just wide.
The Dragons did not go gently into half-time, maintaining the momentum for a couple more chances ahead of the break.
Brennan Johnson drove it to the byline before pulling it back for full-back Roberts in a centre-forward position. A far from clean finish still required Filip Jorgensen to tip it over.
Denmark dominate after interval
Unlike the first period, the second half began with much more goalmouth action, a pair of pot shots from Williams and Mohamed Daramy, an early substitute for Dorgu, starting things off.
Williams' foul on the edge of the box set the stage for the eventual opening goal. From the free kick, Damsgaard, with a deep delivery Christian Eriksen would be proud of, initiated a tussle between Hojlund and Ben Davies for the first touch.
Though the Napoli forward led the celebrations, it was Davies' final touch that sent it into the back of the net.
Pressure still piling, Denmark's bright wide men almost linked up for a second. Isaksen charged down the right after nicking the ball back and slid it across to Daramy, the Reims man disappointing by dragging his attempt.
Once again, Wales were under the cosh, but failed to put up enough of a fight to break free. Soon enough, another Damsgaard free kick caused set-piece troubles.
With Denmark winning the initial contact, a weak defensive header from Kieffer Moore put it back into the danger zone and on a plate for whichever eager Dane was waiting.
Good value for a goal, Isaksen was there. Josh Sheehan's last-ditch attempts to block were not enough to distract the ball from looping in to double Denmark's lead.
Wales' own attacking moves were sapped of threat as they struggled to get close to Jorgensen, the best chance of the second half coming through a low drive from Roberts, comfortable for the Strasbourg keeper.
Denmark, however, pushed for a third until the very last minutes, with Danny Ward fully stretched to deny Kasper Hogh.
Player of the Match - Gustav Isaksen
An iceblink in the Danish frontline, Isaksen lit up his right flank throughout and notched a deserved goal for his night's work.
The 25-year-old also won both free kicks that led to his country's goals.
