UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Sweden too strong for Denmark

Denmark 2-4 Sweden
Denmark, hosts of the 2011 finals, were given an indication of the size of the task ahead by an impressive Sweden side in a friendly.

Emir Bajrami was on target for Sweden
Emir Bajrami was on target for Sweden ©Getty Images

Denmark 2-4 Sweden
Denmark were given an indication of the size of the task ahead when they were defeated by Sweden in an Under-21 friendly on Wednesday.

Commanding win
As hosts, Denmark qualify automatically for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and face a series of friendly matches between now and then, starting against Sweden who dominated in Viborg. Sweden reached the semi-finals of the 2009 edition on home soil in June and they picked up where they left off here, with three second-half goals sealing a commanding win.

Sweden surge
Despite the vocal support of 7,204 fans at the Viborg Stadion, Denmark, whose players already boast a wealth of Superligaen experience, rarely threatened in the first half and their neighbours from across the Oresund went ahead through Emir Bajrami on 27 minutes. Bajrami was just one of six veterans of the 2009 campaign involved, and though Sweden were fielding a largely new-look side, they doubled their lead a minute into the second half through Agon Mehmeti.

Nilsson strike
Marcus Nilsson put the result beyond doubt with Sweden's third just nine minutes later. Matti Lund Nielsen pulled a goal back on 61 minutes, but Danish hopes were dashed four minutes later when Daniel Nordmark made it 4-1. With seven minutes to go Aalborg BK forward Ronnie Schwartz reduced the deficit, but the hosts had left it too late.

Bordinggaard optimism
"Throughout the game we failed to finish moves off in front of our opponents' area," said Denmark coach Keld Bordinggaard. "Instead, they managed to make some fast breaks because of that and that led to three of their four goals." The 46-year-old nonetheless expressed optimism about his side's future. "Actually, I am feeling pretty confident regarding this team," he explained. "When I compare the current level of this squad with the level the previous team had at the same stage, I am sure we will build a good team in time."