Rasmus Hojlund’s late goal gave Denmark a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Portugal in the first leg of their Nations League quarterfinal clash on Thursday.
The Manchester United forward came off the bench to score the decisive goal in Copenhagen, putting Denmark ahead after they had dominated much of the match.
Despite a strong performance, Portugal struggled to break through Denmark’s pressure, and Cristiano Ronaldo, playing up front at 40 years old, was largely ineffective.
Portugal, the winners of the inaugural Nations League in 2019, are aiming to become the first team to win the tournament twice, but they were second-best throughout the game.
Denmark, under new coach Brian Riemer, could have extended their lead, but Christian Eriksen missed a penalty and Diogo Costa made several crucial saves for Portugal.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, admitted it was his side’s worst performance in two years, citing a lack of intensity after a long break.
Denmark’s relentless pressure kept Portugal on the back foot, with the hosts coming close several times, including an Eriksen penalty save and a goal-line clearance by Diogo Dalot just before halftime.
The breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Hojlund, fresh from ending his scoring drought for Manchester United, slotted home after a well-worked move involving Eriksen and Andreas Skov Olsen.
Hojlund’s celebration, mimicking Ronaldo’s signature “Siuuu,” was a tribute to the legendary forward. “It was not to mock him; I’ve always said he has had great importance for me,” Hojlund said after the match.
Portugal’s Bernardo Silva had a late penalty shout turned down, and Kasper Schmeichel saved from Pedro Neto in the closing stages, but Denmark held firm for a valuable first-leg lead. The return leg in Lisbon on Sunday will see Portugal try to overturn the deficit.
