Denmark enjoyed a home win over Portugal in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash.
Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench to secure a 1-0 win over Portugal, despite Christian Eriksen first-half penalty miss.
Denmark started brightly, and Mika Biereth forced an early mistake as he charged down Diogo Costa’s attempted long ball. However, the Portuguese goalkeeper recovered well, scrambling the ball wide for a corner.
Portugal nearly got the opener but Kasper Schmeichel denied Pedro Neto with a fine save moments.
The hosts got a clear chance in the 23rd minute, when Renato Veiga was penalised for a handball in the box. However, Manchester United man, Eriksen failed to make it count from the spot, as Costa comfortably getting across to his right to keep it out.
Denmark kept on pilling the pressure on Portugal, as Biereth forced another great save out of Costa, who tipped over the Monaco’s forward’s effort, before the break.
The Danes continued pushing for the opener as the second half started. Gustav Isaksen’s drive was tipped just wide by Costa before Hojlund fizzed a low shot just past the far post.
The hosts then broke the deadlock, as Hojlund found the net in the 79th minute. A one-touch passes and a cross from Skov Olsen was met by an unmarked Hojlund, who guided the ball into the bottom corner.
The Manchester United forward went on to celebrate the goal, hitting the trademark “siuuuu” celebration, in front of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal and Ronaldo will hope to turn the tide when they host Denmark at home for the second leg on Sunday.
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