SCOTLAND were tormented by brothers Michael and Brian Laudrup in Copenhagen last night.

The Laudrups each scored in a one sided first half display to give Richard Moller Nielsen's defending European champions the perfect platform for a comfortable victory.

Scotland were indebted to the heroics of Jim Leighton in a woeful first 45 minutes and although they rallied after the break they never had the goal threat offered by the Danes.

Now eternal optimist Craig Brown has just two games against United States and Colombia to prepare Scotland for this summer's finals.

This was only Scotland's second defeat in 11 games but they were found wanting against quality opposition.

Blackburn striker Kevin Gallacher made his first start for Scotland in 30 months as a partner for Chelsea's John Spencer.

Denmark, backed by a big crowd who created an exuberant atmosphere, had Fortuna Cologne striker Mikkel Beck in the side.

Beck has been a transfer target of Rangers in recent months and Ibrox assistant Archie Knox was in Copenhagen to see him in action.

In the seventh minute Hendry stumbled badly on the right touch line and let Beck streak away and the striker had time to feed Michael Laudrup who steered the ball low beyond Leighton.

The Real Madrid star, Denmark's skipper, has now scored 35 times in 87 appearances for his country.

Denmark predictably added their second after 27 minutes as brothers Michael and Brian combined in harmony. Michael's defence splitting pass sent Brian streaking through and the Rangers man rounded Leighton to score.