International friendlies wrap: Brazil show their class

Brazil dealt Denmark’s Euro 2012 hopes a blow with a 3-1 victory over the Scandinavian side in international friendly action on Saturday.

Denmark, who will face Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal in Group B at the European Championships, were made to look defensively naive in the first half against a young Brazil team containing the bulk of the expected squad for the London Olympics.

Hulk was the inspiration for Brazil, scoring twice before half-time as the South American side led 3-0 at the break.

But the Danes lifted themselves for the second 45 minutes and a goal from Nicklas Bendtner gave the scoreline a more respectable appearance.

In Dublin, a second-half goal from substitute Shane Long was enough to give the Republic of Ireland a 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In a game lacking any real spark and quality, minus that on offer from Ireland’s half-time substitute Aiden McGeady, Long’s header in the 77th minute ensured a win for the home side ahead of Euro 2012.

Poland, who will co-host the continental championships with Ukraine, defeated Slovakia 1-0, while Portugal were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw with Macedonia.