Denmark end USA's long run

By Peter Bruun

United States 1-3 Denmark 
After coming within 20 seconds of beating the United States last week, Denmark's women went one better as the countries met for a second time in Philadelphia. The 3-1 defeat was the Olympic champions' first in 21 internationals.

Fine start
The Danes, who drew 1-1 in New York three days before, got off to the better start and after 13 minutes Merete Pedersen took a pass from Lene Jensen to send a shot past American goalkeeper Briana Scurry. They continued to dominate for the rest of the first half and produced several scoring opportunities, the best falling to Lene Jensen who had only Scurry to beat but missed.

Cederkvist defiant
The home side came close on a couple of occasions - through Mia Hamm's free-kick and Cindy Parlow - but both were denied by goalkeeper Tine Cederkvist. They tried to build up more steam after the break and drew level in the 47th minute when Abby Wambach headed in a cross by Aly Wagner.

Lead restored
But five minutes later Johanna Rasmussen benefited from a mistake in the American defence to bear down on Scurry, dribble around the custodian and give the Danes a 2-1 lead.

Højmose happy
In the 62nd minute Merete Pedersen silenced the 14,812 spectators as she gathered a pass from Anne Dot Eggers to make it 3-1 and leave Denmark coach Poul Højmose a happy man. "We make good use of our chances, and never panicked," he said. "The fact we managed to stay calm, even when they scored the equaliser, proves we are also very strong mentally."