Brazil Vs. Denmark: A Seleção Gives Morten Olsen Cause For Concern

Judging Denmark based on a friendly match against Brazil might seem unfair, but in the context of what they're going to face in Euro 2012, it's very fair. When the Danes play Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal in the European championships, they'll be facing three world class sides with world class players at a neutral site. They tried to prepare themselves for that against Brazil in Hamburg on Saturday, and lost 3-1.

Hulk was the star of the show with two goals, and he helped to create another. His opener was a screamer that took an odd dip, helping the ball past Thomas Sorensen. In the 8th minute, He hit a left-footed drive from 20 yards out that Sorensen looked to be in front of, but the bottom dropped out of the ball like a 12-to-6 curveball thrown by a baseball pitcher and went under the Danish keeper's hand before hitting the net.

Niki Zimling was responsible for an unfortunate own goal five minutes later that put Brazil firmly in front. In the 40th minute, Hulk added another goal to his tally by weaving through three defenders, then rounding Sorensen and placing the ball into the net to finish off an absolutely beautiful goal.

Zimling redeemed himself in the 71st minute with a brilliant assist, helping his team back into the game. Nicklas Bendtner, who tapped in the goal to record his fourth in five games, was well offside when he applied the finish. However, Zimling couldn't have known that when he beat two defenders down the left flank before playing a pass to Bendtner that set him up for a tap-in.

Denmark looked very good throughout the last 30 minutes of the match, but weren't able to find a second goal. Their improvement late in the game will be encouraging for Morten Olsen, but the slow start was anything but. Denmark plays one more friendly before Euro 2012, against Australia. Brazil's next friendly is in the United States, against the USA.