Hojlund strikes late as Denmark secures victory over Portugal in Nations League clash

Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench to net the winning goal for Denmark in their Nations League quarter-final first leg against Portugal.

The Manchester United forward initially missed a clear chance, sending his shot just wide of the post.

However, he quickly redeemed himself a minute later, calmly slotting home from Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross in the 78th minute. His goal secured back-to-back strikes for both club and country after breaking a 21-game drought with Manchester United against Leicester City last weekend.

The 22-year-old, who has openly admired Cristiano Ronaldo, celebrated in style by mimicking the Portuguese star’s iconic ‘sui’ celebration.

Denmark, under new coach Brian Riemer, put in a dominant display and will travel to Lisbon for the second leg on Sunday with confidence.

Christian Eriksen had earlier missed a penalty, with Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa diving to his right to make a crucial save. The penalty had been awarded after Eriksen’s volley struck Renato Veiga’s arm in the box.

Portugal struggled to make an impact, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo failing to influence the game.

His only real chance was a header that sailed wide. Eriksen, on the other hand, saw a shot cleared off the line by Diogo Dalot and had a free-kick saved as Denmark pushed for a breakthrough.

Hojlund’s late goal proved decisive, leaving Portugal with work to do in the return leg.

The team that loses the tie will join Scotland’s World Cup qualifying group alongside Greece and Belarus.