Rasmus Hojlund proved the hero from the bench as his goal secured Denmark a crucial 1-0 win on Thursday, giving them the upper hand over Portugal ahead of their second-leg matchup in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
The first half may have remained goalless, but Denmark were certainly the dominant side and were unfortunate not to lead at the break, with Christian Eriksen having a penalty saved by Diogo Costa and a shot cleared off the line by Diogo Dalot, while Mika Biereth also had an effort brilliantly saved by the Portuguese goalkeeper.
Denmark picked up where they left off in the initial 15 minutes of the second half, with Gustav Isaksen coming closest but for another Costa save, but Portugal soon improved, taking control of the possession and asserting more control and attacking presence in and around Denmark’s penalty area.
However, Denmark were afforded plenty of attacking opportunities as a result, including for the opener, as the hosts won the ball back inside Portugal’s half and cut through their defence for Hojlund to convert, with the Manchester United striker’s goal enough to secure the first leg victory.
SPORTS MOLE’S VERDICT
Despite having less possession than their visitors, Denmark were the dominant side throughout tonight’s clash, taking a massive 23 shots to Portugal’s measly 8 in comparison.
While their ability to finish chances may be of a slight concern to Brian Riemer, the victory and overall performance will give the manager and his side huge confidence heading into Sunday’s second leg.
The same, however, can not be said for Portugal, who were often sloppy in possession and far too easy to play against, with Denmark looking largely comfortable in defence and consistently threatening in attack.
DENMARK VS. PORTUGAL HIGHLIGHTS
24th min: Christian Eriksen (Denmark) Penalty Miss
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Eriksen misses, Costa with the save!
A cross is headed to the edge of the box for Eriksen to volley, and his strike is blocked by Renato Veiga‘s hand, with the referee swiftly awarding a penalty.
Eriksen steps up and tries to smash his strike into the left corner, but Costa brilliantly dives and pushes away to keep the scores level.
78th min: Denmark 1-0 Portugal (Rasmus Hojlund)
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Hojlund has put Denmark ahead, beautiful team goal!
Denmark win the ball back inside Portugal’s half from an attempted long pass forward, with the ball quickly switched out wide right to Andreas Skov Olsen by Eriksen.
Skov Olsen plays a first-time right-footed pass across the Portugal penalty area, finding Hojlund, who slots his effort into the bottom-right corner to give Denmark the lead.
MAN OF THE MATCH – DIOGO COSTA
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While Denmark were the victors, Costa was certainly the standout performer across the two teams, denying the hosts on several occasions before finally being beaten late on.
The goalkeeper made an impressive seven saves throughout the 90 minutes, of which three were from inside the box and one coming from Eriksen’s penalty.
Hojlund also deserves a mention, coming from the bench to make the difference for Denmark as he was able to finally break the deadlock and secure the first-leg victory.
DENMARK VS. PORTUGAL MATCH STATS
Possession: Denmark 44%-56% Portugal
Shots: Denmark 23-8 Portugal
Shots on target: Denmark 9-2 Portugal
Corners: Denmark 7-6 Portugal
Fouls: Denmark 5-9 Portugal
WHAT NEXT?
Thanks to tonight’s victory, Denmark will hold the advantage heading into Sunday’s quarter-final second leg at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, with a place in the semi-final up for grabs.
The semi-finals, which take place in June, will see the eventual victor of this tie face the winner of Italy versus Germany.
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