Eriksen punishes Wales as Danish stars return from boycott

Christian Eriksen scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Wales in the Nations League on Sunday as Denmark's first-team players returned after boycotting a midweek friendly over a contract dispute.

The Tottenham midfielder put the Danes ahead with just over half an hour gone in Aarhus. Eriksen then added a second on 63 minutes from the penalty spot after Ethan Ampadu handled.

Age Hareide's Denmark go top of a group that also includes the Republic of Ireland, who were routed 4-1 by Wales in their opening game on Thursday.

🇩🇰 Christian Eriksen has now scored 14 goals in his last 18 games for Denmark 🔥🔥🔥#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/rNdhu1OqiS

— UEFA Nations League (@UEFAEURO) September 9, 2018

Danish preparations were hit by a standoff between their players' union and the country's football association (DBU) over commercial rights.

The issue led to Denmark fielding a side comprised of lower-league and futsal players in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Slovakia, but both parties reached a one-match truce to ensure a full-strength squad would face Wales.

"I think no matter how the week developed I think this is what we wanted," said Eriksen, with both the players and DBU hoping to reach a new agreement ahead of next month's game with Ireland. 

19 - Christian Eriksen has been directly involved in 19 goals in his last 18 appearances for Denmark, scoring 14 times and providing five assists. Pride. pic.twitter.com/yBUgJHdRDK

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 9, 2018

"We wanted to play some football, to win and get a good start in this competition. It was a very good start and a very good feeling to finish a weird week."

Ryan Giggs' men suffered a hitch of their own when a technical problem with their plane severely delayed their arrival in Denmark, and forced the cancellation of a pre-match press conference.

"It's disappointing to lose. We obviously wanted to win the game but I think we have to look at the positives," said Gareth Bale. 

Ryan Giggs says Wales are a work in progress and will learn from their Nations League loss in Denmark.https://t.co/6UeHWsFT2r pic.twitter.com/LJmsttPEGK

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 9, 2018

"I think we stayed in there, we fought hard. It's all new to us, we're still working on things so it's a process at the same time as getting results and wanting to perform well."

Thomas Delaney almost produced a sensational opening Danish goal midway through the first half when the Borussia Dortmund midfielder's superb volley from a corner whistled fractionally wide of the post.

Bale, on target in the win over the Irish in Cardiff, then drove just beyond Kasper Schmeichel's left-hand post after the Real Madrid star was given space to run at centre-back Simon Kjaer.

Was it a penalty? 🤔https://t.co/l1UViR2eio

— Goal (@goal) September 9, 2018

Eriksen broke the deadlock with a well-taken effort on 32 minutes, picking up a pass from Henrik Dalsgaard and taking a touch to set himself before stroking low beyond the outstretched arm of Wayne Hennessey.

The Crystal Palace goalkeeper pulled off a marvellous flying stop to deny Pione Sisto soon after, launching himself to his left to claw behind a vicious half-volley.

Connor Roberts and Aaron Ramsey saw efforts blocked in the Danish area after the ball pinged off several players, while Martin Braithwaite dragged an effort wide after evading a host of Welsh challenges.

11 - Gareth Bale (5) and Aaron Ramsey (6) have scored 11 of Wales’ last 16 goals away from home in competitive matches. Duet. pic.twitter.com/cpFDoQVVXj

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 9, 2018

Eriksen effectively ended Wales' hopes of earning anything from their trip to Scandinavia when he blasted home from the spot after Ampadu handled Viktor Fischer's cross.

A deflected Bale strike nearly gave the visitors a lifeline in the closing stages but a scrambling Schmeichel turned behind, with only a reflex save from Hennessey preventing Delaney from increasing the damage for Denmark.

RESULT:

Denmark 2 (Eriksen 32, 63-pen) Wales 0