US falls in Denmark 3-1

We've seen it before.  A US squad unable to hold possession and build sustained attacks.  A midfield outplayed and putting too much pressure on the back four.  As it was again Wednesday as the US played in Denmark.  At least this time the Americans were able to grab the opening goal.  A poor pass from Dane keeper Sorensen was stolen by Jeff Cunningham who cut inside and fired a shot into the net in the 26th minute.  The lead would hold up into the half.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen made three substitutions to start the second half, bringing on Johan Absalonsen, William Kvist Jørgensen and Søren Rieks. The change paid dividends immediately as Absalonsen pulled Denmark even in the 47th minute. Receiving a high cross into the top of the box behind the American defense, the forward collected and turned towards the endline on the right side. Holding off Spector, the Dane got a clean shot past Brad Guzan and inside the near post.

Five minutes later the home side took the lead, this time through Rieks. Denmark’s attack down the left side found Absalonsen who turned towards goal and entered the box, the striker drew the defenders towards him leaving Rieks open on the back post.    With Absalonsen sliding the pass across the six yard box, Rieks calmly shot past Guzan to take the lead.

Three minutes later the final damage was done, this time on a strike from Bernburg. A pass into the arc at the top of the box was aiming for Lars Jacobsen, but the defender dove after light contact. With Bocanegra and Spector trying to close down Rieks, the striker slipped a pass between them to Bernburg, who had space to turn and fire past Guzan for a third goal in nine minutes.  Denmark did well to hold possession much of the latter part of the game and the US never really made much of a push to get back into the match.