Cymru’s UEFA U21 EURO qualifying journey so far

Cymru conclude their 2025 UEFA U21 EURO qualifying campaign on Friday 11 October as they face Czechia at Rodney Parade.

Cymru have achieved a string of impressive results throughout the qualifying campaign and have put themselves in a strong position to make history by reaching a UEFA U21 EURO finals tournament for the first time.

Matty Jones’ side, who sit joint top of their qualifying group, can secure automatic qualification for the UEFA U21 EURO finals if they better Denmark’s result in their final qualifier. While a draw against Czechia would be enough for Cymru to seal at least a play-off for the first time since 2008.

Here’s a look back at Cymru’s qualifying campaign so far.

Denmark 2-2 Cymru – 20 June 2023

Cymru were dealt a tough start to their qualifying journey with an away trip against the top seeds – and group favourites – Denmark in Vejle.

The home side went ahead through Maurits Kjaergaard’s penalty just before half time but Cymru replied three minutes after the restart when Rubin Colwill fired home from the spot. The incident resulted in Denmark being reduced to 10 men after Lucas Hey handled Pat Jones’ goal-bound effort.

Colwill put Cymru ahead for the first time on the hour mark with his second penalty of the afternoon and enjoying a numerical advantage Jones’ side were in the ascendancy.

But the 10-man hosts hit back as Oliver Provstgaard headed home with 17 minutes left on the clock. Denmark were then reduced to nine following Alexander Busch’s reckless challenge on Josh Thomas, but Cymru were unable to find a late winner with Jones’ side left with a feeling of frustration at the full-time whistle.

Lithuania 2-3 Cymru – 12 September 2023

Cymru continued their unbeaten start to the group in September as they secured an away victory over Lithuania in Jonava.

Jones’ side went ahead when Luke Harris netted his first goal for the under-21s with a composed finish on the half hour mark before Fin Stevens doubled the advantage from a tight angle within a minute of the second period.

Joel Cotterill then grabbed his first goal for the side from 25 yards to wrap up what looked to be a convincing victory for Cymru, only for the home side to hit back with two late goals.

Faustas Steponavicius netted in the first minute of stoppage time before Kristupas Kersys added a second less than 60 seconds later, but Cymru did enough to survive a late scare and Jones’ side moved to the top of the group.

Czechia 1-1 Cymru – 13 October 2023

A third straight away game to begin the qualifying campaign saw Cymru make a difficult trip to Ceske Budejovice to take on second seeds Czechia.

Cymru had to soak up plenty of pressure throughout the first half as Czechia, who enjoyed plenty of chances in the opening 45, went ahead just before the break through Matej Jurasek’s strike.

Despite two good opportunities for Owen Beck, the scoreline remained 1-0 and it looked as though Cymru were about to be condemned to their first defeat of the campaign.

But Jones’ side hit back with virtually the last kick of the game through substitute Cian Ashford, who had only been on the pitch five minutes.

After goalkeeper Ed Beach’s long free-kick down field was punched to the edge of the area by his opposite number, Ashford fired home a stunning volley to ensure Cymru’s unbeaten run continued and spark dramatic scenes in stoppage time.

Cymru 1-0 Iceland – 16 November 2023

A double-header in November saw Cymru start with the challenge of Iceland for their first home qualifier of the campaign.

Joe Low broke the deadlock after 28 minutes as his downward header from Tom Davies’ cross put Cymru ahead after a quiet opening period at Rodney Parade.

Kristall Máni Ingason thought he had levelled for the visitors but he was adjudged to have handled the ball into the net as the goal was chalked off.

It took a strong defensive display in the second half to hold out following Josh Thomas’ red card, but Cymru did enough to earn their second victory as they moved back to the top of the group ahead of Iceland.

Cymru 1-2 Denmark – 20 November 2023

The final game of 2023 saw Cymru condemned to their first defeat of the campaign in the reverse fixture against top seeds Denmark.

Tobias Bech scored the opening goal after five minutes to put Denmark ahead in Newport and, despite Cymru enjoying chances to draw level, the game was put out of their reach when Oliver Nielsen headed home from a corner late on.

Cian Ashford grabbed a late consolation as he fired in the rebound following Rubin Colwill’s free-kick, but Cymru were unable to score an equaliser as they suffered their first defeat.

It ensured Jones’ side finished the year in second place in their group with goal difference separating them and Denmark.

Cymru 2-1 Lithuania – 22 March 2024

Cymru had to wait four months for their next qualifier but responded to their first defeat of the campaign by coming from behind against Lithuania.

Motiejus Burba put the away side ahead in Newport after just 11 minutes as he took advantage of a misplaced pass and fired home the opener.

But Cymru replied four minutes later as Luke Harris and Rubin Colwill both combined before the latter fired home the equaliser.

Lewis Koumas was subbed on for his Cymru U21 debut in the 66th minute and curled home a stunning first-time effort 10 minutes later to ensure Matty Jones’ side sealed their third win of the campaign.

Iceland 1-2 Cymru – 10 September 2024

Six months after their victory over Lithuania, Cymru were back in action for their final away qualifier against Iceland in Reykjavik.

Matty Jones’ side began the much better of the two teams with a strong wind behind them and went close when captain Fin Stevens rattled the upright from the tightest of angles as Iceland struggled to deal with Cymru’s high-press and intensity.

Cymru broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half when Cotterill fired home a rebound after Josh Thomas’ shot was parried by Iceland goalkeeper Lúkas Petersson.

The second goal eventually arrived on 72 minutes as Cotterill, Joel Colwill and Thomas all combined in midfield to release the former, who made no mistake to score his second of the match.

Oskar Borgþorsson scored an injury-time goal which proved to be nothing but a late consolation, and the result ensured Cymru will finish the qualifying campaign with an unbeaten away record.