Denmark end preparations with Australia win

Denmark secured a deserved 2-0 friendly win against Australia in Copenhagen but will be keen to improve in a number of areas if they are to mount a prolonged campaign in Poland and Ukraine.

Daniel Agger put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot following excellent work from Christian Erikssen just after the half-hour and centre-back Andreas Bjelland doubled their tally midway through the second period. The win proved a welcome result following the 3-1 loss to Brazil last time out, but coach Morten Olsen will be concerned about the number of chances Australia were able to create.

One week before Denmark's opening match at UEFA EURO 2012, Olsen fielded a starting lineup that is likely to be close to the team he will choose to face the Netherlands in Kharkiv next Saturday. Stephan Andersen appears favourite to wear gloves following Thomas Sørensen's withdrawal through injury, and he staked his claim with some good saves – though it was Denmark who started brightest as both Dennis Rommedahl and Nicklas Bendtner went close early on.

Alex Brosque fired wide as Australia began to look dangerous on the counterattack, and there was relief from the home fans when Agger converted from the spot, having been brought down by Matthew Spiranovic following Erikssen's brilliant back-heeled flick. The visitors soon threatened to reply, however, and Andersen was forced to save from a fierce Mark Bresciano effort.

Olsen rang the changes after the interval to give several fringe players their chance to impress. Central defender Bjelland - who is fighting with Simon Kjær for a place alongside Daniel Agger - looked assured and it did his chances of a starting berth no harm when he doubled Denmark's advantage after a scramble in the box. Before that, Brosque came close to equalising, only for Andersen to save well when one-on-one with the striker - and that was as close as Australia came to spoiling his clean sheet.