Denmark U21 1-0 Scotland U21

Pedersen (right) celebrates his winning goal for Denmark

Scotland U21's hopes of reaching Euro 2009 were ended by a solitary-goal defeat to Denmark in Aalborg.

Ross McCormack had an effort deflected wide for the visitors before the Danes took the lead on 28 minutes.

Striker Nicklas Pedersen skilfully evaded defender Garry Kenneth before firing past goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.

The home side twice hit the crossbar after the interval while McCormack had Scotland's best effort, forcing a good save from Kasper Schmeichel.

Scotland approached the game knowing a win would guarantee them a play-off place for next summer's finals in Sweden.

A draw could also have been enough depending on other results while Denmark needed a victory to stand a chance of reaching the play-offs.

The home side came close to an opener after 13 minutes when Mike Jensen's shot from long-range went narrowly wide.

At the other end, Ross McCormack saw his attempt blocked after being set-up by Steven Lennon.

The breakthrough came after 28 minutes when Pedersen pursued Thomas Enevoldsen's long pass.

The FC Nordsjaelland striker chipped the ball over Kenneth's head and finished well past MacDonald.

MacDonald (left) and Kenneth are dejected at the final whistle

Scotland were almost level within two minutes when Schmeichel tipped over Lennon's 25-yard strike.

Jensen's long-range shots were causing MacDonald problems and the Hearts keeper was twice called upon to block drives from the midfielder before half-time.

Calum Elliot threatened for Scotland early in the second half but the striker's shot hit the side-netting when an effort across goal may have troubled Denmark keeper Schmeichel.

The Danes then hit the woodwork when Jens Gjesing's free-kick rattled the crossbar.

Schmeichel made a vital save from McCormack after the Cardiff City striker was found with an intelligent pass by Charlie Mulgrew.

The Manchester City goalkeeper saved again moments later when Lennon mishit his shot from close range.

Denmark hit the crossbar for a second time through Pedersen's header after the striker had once again escaped marker Kenneth.

Jesper Lange drew a save from MacDonald before substitute Graham Dorrans came close for Scotland late on.

The West Bromwich Albion forward raced through on goal but had his effort blocked by Schmeichel with Timmi Johansen on hand clear the loose ball.