Denmark bounce back to beat United States in friendly

AARHUS, Denmark, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Denmark came from behind to beat the United States 3-1 in a friendly on Wednesday thanks to second-half goals from substitutes Johan Absalonsen, Soren Rieks and Martin Bernburg.

In a first half that saw the Americans dominate in attack, Jeff Cunningham grabbed the lead for the visitors in the 26th minute when Denmark keeper Thomas Sorensen miscued a clearance.

Cunningham picked up the ball just outside the box and after a dribbling effort fired the ball past Sorensen.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen brought on Bernburg late in the first half, while Rieks and Absalonsen came on after halftime to make the difference.

In the 47th minute, striker Absalonsen hit the equaliser after he picked up a long ball by defender Simon Kjaer and fired past U.S. keeper Eddie Johnson.

Five minutes later, Absalonsen set up midfielder Rieks inside the area to give the Danes the lead.

In the 55th minute, midfielder Jakob Poulsen set up striker Bernburg for the decisive third goal.

“We have good talents,” Olsen said. “Competition for the spots in the World Cup team has increased.”

Both teams have qualified for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

(Reporting by Anna Ringstrom; Writing by Oliver Grassman in Stockholm; editing by Miles Evans; To query or comment on this story emailsportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)