With results elsewhere going their way, Billy Stark's men only needed a draw in their final Group 6 game to secure one of the four best runner-up spots, but they were found wanting in Aalborg.

Denmark, who went into the match still harbouring slim play-off hopes of their own, sealed a deserved victory thanks to Nicklas Pedersen's 27th-minute goal.

Ross McCormack did his best to get Scotland back on level terms but the Cardiff striker eventually faded, as did his side's hopes.

Playing wide on the left, McCormack started brightly, winning more than one free-kick in promising positions but the young Scots failed to capitalise.

Instead, Denmark brought the game to life, with winger Mike Jensen firing just wide from the corner of the penalty area.

McCormack continued his good start by seeing close-range effort blocked and minutes later dispossessing Denmark captain Michael Jakobsen just outside the penalty area but the hosts managed to clear the danger.

Scotland went even closer to taking the lead when Garry Kenneth got hold of a stray ball outside the box but Danish defender Winston Reid managed to get a touch to thwart a three-on-one opportunity.

Denmark took the lead against the run of play when Thomas Enevoldsen found Pedersen with an inch-perfect pass.

One on one with Kenneth, the Danish striker chipped the ball over the defender before firing home.

Scotland responded two minutes later when McCormack's clever backheel set up Steven Lennon, whose 25-yard strike forced a marvellous fingertip save from Kasper Schmeichel.

Scotland had goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald to thank for keeping them in the game when he saved Mike Jensen's long-range effort onto the post.

Stark's men had a good chance to level just after half-time when Calum Elliott raced clear after a Jens Gjesing mistake but his shot found the sidenetting.

Gjesing himself almost made Elliott pay for the miss when he became the second Dane to hit the woodwork, his free-kick thumping the bar.

Desperately seeking an equaliser, Scotland piled on the pressure and McCormack forced a spectacular save from Kasper Schmeichel when through after 50 minutes.

Lennon then wasted a golden chance to level when he mishit his finish from six yards straight at Schmeichel.

It should have been all over when Pedersen sent a header against the bar, moments before Jesper Lange forced another fine save from MacDonald.

Stark threw on Jamie Hamill for injured captain Scott Cuthbert but Lange again went close to a second goal when he cut in from the left only to be foiled by another stop from MacDonald.

Opposite number Schmeichel made sure of the victory, saving when Graham Dorrans raced through, with Timmi Johansen on hand to mop up the danger.