Pernille Harder's Hat-Trick Leads Denmark to Dominant 5-1 Win Over Wales; Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Triumph

Denmark handed Wales a crushing 5-1 defeat in the Women's Nations League, with Pernille Harder delivering a remarkable hat-trick in Cardiff. Harder, previously the highest-paid female player globally when she transferred from Wolfsburg to Chelsea in 2020, quickly put Wales in a precarious position by finding the net twice within the first 11 minutes.

Jess Fishlock's impressive second-half goal gave Wales some hope, but Denmark quickly regained their composure with goals from Frederikke Thogersen and Sanne Troelsgaard. Pernille Harder's hat-trick sealed the deal and handed Gemma Grainger, Wales' manager, her biggest defeat yet. Wales had hoped to bounce back from their loss in the opening match of the Nations League against Iceland. Meanwhile, Denmark, who surprised everyone by defeating Germany in the Women's World Cup last month, arrived with confidence.

Image:

Pernille Harder, formerly of Chelsea, clinched a hat-trick for the Danish team during the match. This encounter marked their second meeting, with their previous encounter occurring in April 2021. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and took place at the Cardiff City Stadium during Grainger's tenure as the coach.

Grainger selected seven players from the team that started against Denmark, making only one change from the loss in Reykjavik as Rachel Rowe replaced Kayleigh Green.

Rowe's inclusion was aimed at revitalizing Wales' offensive play, which had struggled in the past year. Prior to this match, Grainger's team had only scored more than one goal in a game on one occasion out of their last 13 matches - a 4-1 friendly victory against Northern Ireland in April.

Wales faced the wrath of Stephanie Frappart, who became the first female official to officiate a men's World Cup game. Frappart penalized Rowe within the first five seconds, which turned out to be an ominous sign as Denmark quickly took control.

Ceri Holland's inability to clear a Denmark corner resulted in Rhiannon Roberts bringing down Amalie Vangsgaard, leading to a penalty in the sixth minute. Harder confidently converted the penalty by elegantly deceiving Olivia Clark.

Denmark increased their lead as Thogersen from Inter Milan delivered a cross from the right, and Harder confidently converted from a distance of 10 yards.

The frustration for the Welsh team persisted, as Roberts was unable to control the hosts' initial shot on goal, resulting in a miss, and Fishlock received a booking for tripping Sofie Svava.

Harder missed the opportunity to score a hat-trick in the first half as he sent a golden chance wide, while Holland's shot hit the side netting just before half-time.

Wales had been unable to hit the target in the first half, but their wait came to an end in a remarkable manner after 51 minutes.

Fishlock and Green, substituted in for Rowe at the beginning of the second half, worked together to locate Carrie Jones in an open position. Jones skillfully maneuvered the ball between Sofie Pedersen's legs, and Fishlock executed a powerful strike from a distance of 20 yards, earning her 37th goal for Wales.

Fishlock replicated Grainger's animated celebration in the technical area, but Denmark swiftly reestablished their two-goal lead after an hour as Svava delivered a cross from the left and Thogersen effortlessly tapped the ball into the net from close range.

Troelsgaard scored a diving header to secure their fourth goal just three minutes before the end. Harder completed a hat-trick by seizing the opportunity when Signe Bruun's shot rebounded off the crossbar. Wales, on the other hand, continue to struggle as they remain without any points, sitting at the bottom of their group. Their upcoming challenges include away matches against Germany and Denmark next month, making their situation even more challenging.

Republic of Ireland impressive in Hungary win under interim boss Gleeson

Image:

Kyra Carusa scored Ireland's third goal in Budapest

Under the guidance of interim manager Eileen Gleeson, the Republic of Ireland showcased their impressive form by comfortably defeating Hungary 4-0 in their second Women's Nations League encounter in Budapest.

The visitors sealed their victory with goals delivered by Caitlin Hayes, Katie McCabe, Kyra Carusa, and Denise O'Sullivan, allowing them to further capitalize on their remarkable 3-0 triumph against Northern Ireland earlier in the weekend.

Under Gleeson's management, the team put on yet another outstanding performance, although she had initially seemed to exclude herself from consideration as a potential replacement for former boss Vera Pauw. The Republic got off to a promising start in their most challenging Group B match, as a cross from Heather Payne narrowly missed hitting the crossbar. Payne and Carusa both had opportunities shortly after.

Hayes, in her second start, initiated the scoring in the 18th minute by expertly heading home a superb cross from McCabe in close proximity.

Continuing to demonstrate her prowess, Arsenal star McCabe extended Ireland's lead in an impressive manner four minutes before halftime. Seizing the opportunity from a partially cleared attempt, she skillfully whipped the ball into the net from 25 yards.

After the interval, Gleeson's team maintained their dominance as Carusa skillfully headed Payne's excellent cross to secure a 3-0 lead after 49 minutes. Carusa narrowly missed another opportunity, while Hayes nearly struck the top of the bar. Eventually, Carusa assisted O'Sullivan, who fired the ball into the bottom corner, marking the scoreboard at the 70-minute mark.

Irish goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan successfully maintained her clean sheet as Gleeson's side claimed a second consecutive impressive victory, despite being called into action twice in the last 20 minutes.

Northern Ireland edge Albania to record first win

Image:

Lauren Wade (left) scored Northern Ireland's winner

Captain Lauren Wade hit the only goal of the game as Northern Ireland beat Albania to record their first win in the Women's Nations League.

Wade scored a decisive goal on her 50th cap, securing a 1-0 victory for her team at Seaview. After Albania goalkeeper Viona Rexhepi saved a shot from Nadene Caldwell, Reading winger Wade was there to hit the ball into the net from close range in the 57th minute.

The home side dominated throughout the contest and racked up 21 shots to just the four mustered up by Albania, the narrow win now leaving Tanya Oxtoby's side second in the group after two games.