Sweden, Denmark in bland goalless draw

Sweden and Denmark battled to a bland 0-0 stalemate in an international friendly football match here.

Saturday evening's match was part of the preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia this month, reports EFE news agency.

For Denmark, who had up to four casualties, it was perhaps an even more important test.

Sweden did not bring their star Christian Eriksen -- author of 11 goals and three assists in the qualifying phase -- who had permission to stay at home because of the advanced stage of his girlfriend's pregnancy.

The Danish coach, Norwegian Åge Hareide, opted for Krohn-Dehli, but the Deportivo La Coruna midfielder had an indifferent performance during the 60 minutes he was on the pitch.

What little the Danes offered came from the boots of Pione Sisto, who made the only shot between the three clubs of the first half, in one of his usual cuts to the center. The Celta de Vigo player's boots came out shortly after a very good cross that Delaney pitched high.

Sweden could not count on the limping Guidetti. The hosts were but quite limited in their attacks.

Their best approach came from the boots of Emil Forsberg, their most talented player, but all the Swedish threats died at the boots of the Danish defence.

Delaney, well advanced in the second part, finished off near the post of Olsen. Sweden attacked by outbursts, with Durmaz as protagonist, but without much result.

Schöne, who improved Krohn-Dehli, sent a free-kick from outside the box.

Kiese Thelin missed shortly after another more rudely by sending a pass from Forsberg into limbo.

Little more happened until the end and the match closed in an insubstantial draw, which saw Denmark increase to 14 their excellent run of consecutive games without losing.

The Danes will close their preparation phase within a week at home against Mexico. And the Swedes will make their own against Peru in Gothenburg.

--IANS

ajb/mr