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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Kieran Jackson

Gareth Bale's late goal not enough to prevent Denmark topping Nations League group

Wales missed out on promotion to the top tier of the Nations League as Denmark won a passionate Cardiff contest 2-1.

Nicolai Jorgensen gave Denmark a half-time lead and Martin Braithwaite's superb volley two minutes from time doubled their advantage to seemingly end Welsh hopes.

But Gareth Bale's instant response, sliding home his 31st international goal after rounding Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, had the visitors hanging on at the end.

PA

Good evening folks and welcome to the Independent's coverage of Brazil v Uruguay, Wales V Denmark and Netherlands v France, where we'll be bringing you updates of all the live action from all three matches. 
 
The South American clubs are preparing to do battle at the Emirates tonight. There's lots of history between these two sides and it's bound to be another cracker which we'll keep you posted on. 
 
Meanwhile, the other two fixtures take place in respective Nations League groups with France sitting 1st in Group A, Netherlands just behind. 
 
As for Wales, they take on Denmark, sitting pretty at the top of Group B4 with two wins from three games, including that pummelling of the Republic of Ireland. 
 
 
Here's how the Dutch 'Oranje' line up for tonight: 
Meanwhile, their opponents this evening, the World Champions no less, line up as follows: 
What a team that is.  
  
The other 19:45 kick off sees one of the Home Nations play with Wales hosting Denmark. 
 
Here's how the Red Dragons line up:
And their opponents line up as follows: 
Which game are you most excited for this evening? 
 
Wales have a really youthful side, plus, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey returns to the squad for this international. 
 
But World Champions France have so much talent in abundance that you never want to miss a minute of their games. 
 
 
  
That's forgetting the game which kicks off slightly later this evening, with the 8PM start at the Emirates Stadium. 
 
Here's how one half of the game, Uruguay, line up: 
La Celeste have really been taking their warm up seriously....even training in the London Hotel! 
Only three players have more international goals since June 2016 than Christian Eriksen and that's despite not starting as the main striker. 
 
Is he the man to stop tonight for Wales? 
 
I could watch him play football alone all day. Joy to watch. 
 
See? I didn't make it up!  
And our very own Tom Williams is in place to get a different vantage point in Cardiff this evening... 
A win for either Wales or Denmark will mean that they are promoted to the upper tier of Nations League sides... 
 
What's your prediction for this evening? 
Apologies for the delay but Brazil's twitter account didn't feel the need to publish their starting XI until now. 
 
What do you make of it now though?
 
So much talent all the way through to the bench, too.
Meanwhile, the four sides kicking off at 19:45 are out and preparing for their national anthems. 
 
Looking forward to tonight's action. 
It appears he's been sporting it for a while now but it doesn't mean I'm any more ready to see Ryan Babel's interesting choice of hair colour... 
 
Hmmmm
KICK OFF
KICK OFF:
 
Wales 0-0 Denmark 
 
Netherlands 0-0 France 
 
 
MATCH ACTION
CHANCE! NETHERLANDS 0-0 FRANCE!
 
What a start from Holland and what a chance they've just created - should be 1-0 up. 
 
Depay ran at the France defence and got himself into the box and almost at the byline. 
 
His pull back found Wijnaldum but his shot was tame and straight at Hugo Lloris who palmed it away. 
 
The Dutchman has already scored against him once this season, when Liverpool defeated Spurs 2-1 at Wembley. 
CHANCE! Wales 0-0 Denmark 
 
Early warning for Wales as Christian Eriksen carries the ball some way before unleashing a long range shot from 25 yards at. 
 
His shot is always rising but only just clears the bar. Take note, Wales. 
MATCH ACTION
6 mins: Wales 0-0 Denmark 
 
Wonderful football down Denmark's left leads to a promising attack but left-back Stryger's cross is a bit deep but only clears the post by a few inches. 
 
Denmark work it back into the box though but Wales deal with the ensuing danger and clear for a corner. 
 
Positive start from the Danes. 
 
 
MATCH ACTION
8 mins: Netherlands 0-0 France 
 
The World Champions are unable to keep hold of the ball for any significant period of time. 
 
It's been a really good start by Holland. 
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