Soccer-Wales embracing underdog tag against fan favourites Denmark, says Bale

Wales captain Gareth Bale said on Friday they will embrace their own underdog status against Denmark, the neutrals’ favourites in the last 16 of the European Championship, adding they will not underestimate their quality.

Wales finished runners-up in Group A behind Italy to reach the knockout stages for a second successive Euros, having soared to the semi-finals in 2016.

Denmark stormed into the last 16 with a 4-1 win over Russia in their final group game — days after Christian Eriksen’s collapse due to a cardiac arrest — and will be playing in Amsterdam where they expect a Danish contingent to spur them on.

Wales boss Robert Page echoed the sentiment, saying that they need to try to ignore the emotion attached to the game and added they were prepared for a “tough challenge” having seen Denmark nearly get a result against group toppers Belgium.