Denmark 1-0 Portugal Player Ratings: Rasmus Hojlund’s late goal wins the clash for a dominant Denmark side.

Denmark emerge victorious against Portugal at Parken Copenhagen thanks to Rasmus Hojlund’s late goal. The hosts were the better side throughout the night. Christain Erisken’s penalty was saved in the first half as Portugal barely hung on. Denmark’s dominance was rewarded late on as Hojlund tapped home from close range. The away side produced a poor performance and is in need of a comeback heading into the second leg.

Brian Riemer was still searching for his first victory as the Danish manager. The manager named a strong lineup with their players in good form in their respective leagues. Mika Biereth earned his first call-up to the national side after showing great form for Monaco. The striker was thrown straight into the action as he made his full-time debut for his country.

Roberto Martinez hoped to continue his side’s good form. However, scoring goals was an issue for them and he hoped for better form from his attackers. The front line had the 40-year-old legendary Cristiano Ronaldo as well as a 17-year-old Geovany Quenda receiving his first call-up. Ruben Dias was back from an injury layoff as well. PSG’s highly influential midfield pairing Joao Neves and Vitinha were the talk of the town. Renato Viega took a spot in the defence ahead of Antonio Silva.

Biereth had a dream debut of sorts when he chased Diogo Costa down in the second minute. The Portuguese goalkeeper’s blushes were spared when his kick under pressure just trickled wide after being deflected. Portugal then tested Kasper Schemeiche’s resolve as he denied a curler from Pedro Neto soon. Christian Eriksen then unleashed a shot from the edge of the box to win a penalty for the hosts at the end of the first quarter.

Costa proved his worth when he dived to his right to beat away the penalty that Erisken himself took. It was a huge reprieve for Portugal who were living dangerously. Jesper Lindstrom nearly drove all the way on a counter but was denied by a desperate last-ditch tackle from Dias. Diogo Dalot was the hero for Portugal when he blocked a goal-bound effort from Eriksen on the line.

Denmark couldn’t believe how they went into the break without a lead to show for it. They dominated the ball and created clear openings but were unable to beat Costa. Portugal lived dangerously as they depended on their defence. The attack was still figuring out how to deal with the hosts’ defence and needed to find answers fast.

Denmark started the second half on the front foot again as they played a patient game. Eriksen slipped in Isaksen who was denied by another fine save from Costa. Portugal’s attacking became a rarity as the visitors crossed the half once in a blue moon.

The managers turned to their benches to see if anything could work for them past the hour mark. It worked wonders for Denmark in particular as the substitutes combined to the manager’s delight.

Portugal gave the ball away cheaply in their own half. Denmark capitalised on it and Andreas Skov Olsen received the ball in the 78th minute. He gently squared it across the box for Rasmus Hojlund who produced a simple finish as the ball nestled into the back of the net. Hojlund hit the famous Sui celebration in front of Ronaldo himself.

Denmark then had the chance to show how determined they were to protect the one-goal lead. They blocked spaces and made it difficult for Portugal to find openings. They made sure they got the clean sheet to seal off a memorable win.

Denmark takes a one-goal lead going into the second leg in Lisbon. They were the better side on the night and would be disappointed that it’s only a single-goal advantage. The manager has also picked up his first victory for the national side.

Roberto Martinez has huge problems to solve as his side looked uninspired on the night. The attack was in tatters as the midfield struggled to control the game. He will be hoping a different side turns up on Sunday in the Portuguese capital.

Denmark Player Ratings

GK – Kasper Schmeichel – 6/10

A fantastic save early on to deny Pedro Neto a certain opener. Was pretty much not called into action for longer periods.

RB – Rasmus Kristensen – 6/10

Was tormented by Leao once when they both went head to head. He recovered excellently to win some key duels against the winger.

CB – Joachim Andersen – 6.5/10

Very good anticipation play from him as he made crucial interceptions in the box. Had a couple of nervy moments in the box but did get through them.

CB – Jannik Vestergaard – 7/10

A strong aerial presence in the box to deal with some crosses into the middle. His ball playing was highly impressive too.

LB – Joakim Maehle – 6/10

Had to be sharp on his toes to prevent Neto from running in behind. Made some smart defensive choices.

DM – Christian Norgaard – 6/10

The Brentford player offered a safe passing option while building from the back. He was happy to sit deep and also plant some tackles to keep the ball.

DM – Morten Hjulmand – 6/10

Shielded the ball better and rotated it better. Did his job by joining the attack when needed.

RW – Gustav Isaksen – 7.5/10

He put his dancing shoes on to take on Nuno Mendes. Succeeded at times in beating the full-back but the end product was missing. Had a great shot in the second half that was saved by Costa.

CAM – Christian Erisken – 7/10

Won a penalty with a good shot from outside the box but failed to convert it with a poor kick. Rolled back the years as he created multiple chances by drifting to all areas of the pitch. Played the pass to Skov Olsen for the opener.

LW – Jesper Lindstrom- 6.5/10

Made a long dash on a break but failed to get the finish to open the scoring. Combined well with Maehle to create openings on the left.

ST – Mika Biereth – 6.5/10

Showed great energy from the start to press Costa and almost earned a goal. Forced another excellent save with a shot on the turn.

Sub – Rasmus Hojlund- 7.5/10

A different type of option to Biereth and a chance to continue his return to goal-scoring form. Turned home Olsen’s pass to score the winner.

Sub – Andreas Skov Olsen- 7/10

Occupied the right wing as he came on to push Isaksen to the left. Worked wonders as he played the key pass to Hojlund’s feet for the opener.

Sub – Jonas Wind – 6/10

Sub – Patrick Dorgu – 6/10

Manager – Brian Riemer – 8/10

Picked his first victory as the manager of Denmark. A fantastic performance from his side full of energy and creativity. Wouldve been nervous by the lack of a finishing touch. However, his subs won him the game giving him a good chance in the tie on Sunday.

Portugal Player Ratings

GK – Diogo Costa – 6/10

A nervy start to the game as he was caught on the ball by Biereth. Stepped up to save a penalty and numerous other chances in the game.

RB – Diogo Dalot – 6/10

A crucial goal-line block when Denmark carved them open in the box. Was very anonymous in the attack and was replaced on the hour mark.

CB – Renato Viega – 5/10

Had a good chance to give them the lead but scuffed his volley. Conceded a penalty with a poor handball but was thankful to his goalkeeper.

CB – Ruben Dias – 6/10

Made a fantastic block to deny Lindstrom who was dancing through on goal following a break. Tried to break the lines with his passing but he was caught out.

LB – Nuno Mendes – 6/10

Isaksen proved more than a match as he twisted and turned him to varying levels of success. Got forward twice but couldn’t get any cross in.

DM – Vitinha – 6/10

Kept the ball circulating but often was missing as his side was hit by fast breaks. A poor tackle on Isaksen earned him a yellow card.

DM – Joao Neves – 6/10

A bit unlike him as he lost his cool and conceded a couple of cheap fouls. Did struggle against the physicality of Denmark’s midfield pair.

RW – Pedro Neto – 6.5/10

The winger forced a fine stop from Schmeichel early on. Failed to carry the same threat later as he switched positions multiple times.

CAM – Bruno Fernandes – 6.5/10

Continued his great run of form from domestic football as he created dangerous chances. Had an effort that was just wide. Waned in impact in the second half.

LW – Rafael Leao – 6/10

Probably disappointed by how he failed to isolate Kristensen multiple times and take him on. His passing was widely off the mark as well.

ST – Cristiano Ronaldo – 6/10

The Portuguese acted as the target man for his side. Had a header from open play that was tame and wide. Failed to create the kind of impact we were familiar with.

Sub – Nelson Semedo- 6/10

Came on to replace Dalot. Indicated a defensive change as he defends conservatively.

Sub – Ruben Neves- 6/10

Sub – Goncalo Inacio – 6/10

The natural centre-back came on to close out the game heading into the final 15 minutes of the game.

Sub – Bernardo Silva – N/A

Manager – Roberto Martinez – 6/10

A frustrating outing for his side as they struggled offensively yet again. Even defensively, they were on the ropes multiple times and had to depend on individual brilliance to be bailed out.

The Sportsdunia’s Player of the Match: Gustav Isaksen