The United States traveled to play Denmark for their second friendly of the international break. They lost to Slovakia 0-1 on Saturday and were looking to get a result on Wednesday’s match. Here’s a recap of the match along with video highlights.
Denmark beats the United States 3-1 – Video Highlights
The United States did not come out strong as Denmark had most of the possession and chances early. Despite being out played for the first part of the match, the United States would take a lead in the 26th minute. Jeff Cunningham intercepted a poor clearance from Denmark goalkeeper Sorensen, dribble towards goal, and scored on a nice left footed shot from just outside the box. It was a great goal from Cunningham who has been in terrific form and is now in the mix for a possible spot on next summer’s roster for South Africa.
Denmark continued to have more chances in the first half but the USA would hold on to their lead. Neither team had a ton of chances as it wasn’t a wide open first half. It was 1-0 on the Cunningham goal after 45 minutes.
The second half started out with Denmark taking the momentum right away. A long ball was played from the Denmark midfield to Absalonsen who made a run into the box. The defense did poorly and the Denmark striker was all alone as he scored on a low shot. It was now 1-1 with most of the second half left to play.
It would get even worse for the United States in the 52nd minute as they would concede another goal. The ball was not cleared by the USA and deflected off a Denmark player that led to a fast break. The defense couldn’t recover in time and Rieks was all alone at the back post as he received a pass and easily scored. USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan could do nothing and was once again let down by his defense.
Only a few minutes later, Denmark would score again and make it 3-1. On a counterattack, the Americans failed to clear and Bernburg scored from a shot at the edge of the box. It was a combination of poor defending and a good shot from Bernburg. After only 10 minutes into the second half, Denmark had tied the match, taken the lead, and extended it to 3-1.
Denmark dominated early in the second half as the United States struggled to defend and hold possession. Edgar Castillo came on in the second half to get his first cap for the USA team. The US would play better late in the second half but couldn’t find the back of the net. It was a match the USA could have won or at least a draw if not for some defensive lapses early in the second half.
Denmark would win the match 3-1 and the USA would lose their second friendly in less than a week.
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Danish Soccer fan here.
So this ended up a major victory to Denmark 3-1 \o/
The US team had some nice play in the first half, but you lost it all again in the first 10 minutes of the second half. If we could have the chance in the World Cup, it would be really fun to have a rematch either the group play or later on.