Gareth Bale fails to inspire Wales to win

Gareth Bale returned after a two-game absence for Wales on Friday – but he could not prevent a 2-1 Nations League home defeat to Denmark.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at the Real Madrid star's performance.

Goal threat

Made his intentions clear by forcing a fine early save from Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, yet he will feel he should have scored 10 minutes before half-time from a close-range header, but his effort glanced wide. He then forced a brilliant one-handed stop from Schmeichel from an 82nd-minute free-kick before scoring his 31st international goal a minute from time.

Impact on the game

He was the one player, inevitably, that Denmark knew they could not relax against for one minute. He twice went close during the first half, and then fired in a pinpoint cross in the 48th minute that David Brooks narrowly failed to convert. Could not quite turn things Wales' way, despite his late goal, on what was ultimately a frustrating night.

Did Bale outplay Denmark talisman Christian Eriksen?

Playmaker Eriksen started strongly by rasping a third-minute shot just over the Wales crossbar, and he was the focal point of virtually everything Denmark did inside Wales' half. Many had billed the encounter as Bale versus Eriksen, but there was probably little to choose between them. They are both huge figures for their teams, and Bale probably edged the contest through his late goal.

Leadership

Wales' younger players, especially, thrive on Bale's presence in the team, and he continues to set an inspiring example for them. He is the consistent world-class operator that Wales need if they are going to challenge higher-ranked sides on a consistent basis. Never stopped running and chasing, oozing quality and giving his team hope during a frantic finish.