Substitute Rasmus Højlund scored the decisive goal as Denmark secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final in Copenhagen. Højlund’s 78th-minute strike, coming just a minute after he missed a clear chance, gives the Danes a slender advantage heading into Sunday’s second leg in Lisbon.
Højlund, who recently ended a 21-game goal drought for Manchester United against Leicester City, celebrated his goal with Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark ‘sui’ celebration. “I fell in love with football because of Cristiano” he said, recently.
The victory was a deserved result for Denmark, and new manager, Brian Riemer. Christian Eriksen had a first-half penalty saved by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, diving to his right to parry the shot. The penalty was awarded after Eriksen’s volley struck the arm of Renato Veiga. Eriksen was also denied by a goal-line clearance from his Manchester United teammate Diogo Dalot, and had a free-kick saved.
Portugal, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, produced a disappointing performance. Ronaldo’s only notable contribution was a header that sailed wide of the post.
The losing team will be placed into Scotland’s group.
The late winner from Højlund ensures that Denmark take a narrow lead into the second leg, while Portugal will need a significantly improved performance to keep their Nations League hopes alive. The match also highlighted the contrasting fortunes of Manchester United teammates Eriksen and Dalot, and the impact of substitute Højlund.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.