Denmark claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash on Thursday. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when substitute Rasmus Hojlund slotted home a fine finish to break the deadlock in a match dominated by the hosts.
Denmark, under the guidance of coach Brian Riemer, controlled the game from the outset, piling pressure on Portugal’s defense. Despite their dominance, the Danes were frustrated by a combination of missed opportunities and heroic saves from Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Christian Eriksen missed a first-half penalty after Renato Veiga handled the ball, with Costa diving low to his right to deny the Manchester United midfielder.
Portugal, the 2019 Nations League champions, struggled to find their rhythm in a lackluster performance. Cristiano Ronaldo, starting at the age of 40, was largely ineffective, while the team lacked the intensity needed to match Denmark’s relentless pressing. Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez admitted it was their worst performance in two years, citing a lack of intensity and sharpness after a five-month break.
Denmark’s persistence paid off late in the game when Hojlund, who had come off the bench, finished a well-worked move. Eriksen spread the ball to Andreas Skov Olsen, who delivered a low cross for Hojlund to calmly slot home. The goal capped a strong team performance and gave Denmark a deserved advantage heading into the second leg in Lisbon on Sunday.
Portugal will need a significant improvement to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of becoming the first team to win the Nations League twice alive.
