Rasmus Hojlund scored for Denmark in their win over PortugalRasmus Hojlund scored for Denmark in their win over Portugal
Rasmus Hojlund scored for Denmark in their win over Portugal | Getty Images
Man Utd stars Rasmus Hojlund, Christian Eriksen and Patrick Dorgu all featured as Denmark beat Portugal
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund was on the end of some major praise from the Danish media on Thursday night as he scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Nations League.
United midfielder Christian Eriksen started the game but missed a first-half penalty and had a chance cleared off the line by Red Devils team-mate Diogo Dalot. Patrick Dorgu also featured for the hosts, but he only came on in the 87th minute in place of Gustav Isaksen.
Hojlund was also on the bench but replaced Mika Biereth after 69 minutes. He produced the winning goal soon after as he finished into the bottom corner after Andreas Skov Olsen squared the ball across the box for the United striker to finish into the bottom corner. After the game, Hojlund was in the end of the some praise from the Danish media while Eriksen faced some criticism for missing his chances.
Danish media react to United stars
Hojlund celebrated his goal by performing Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark ‘siuu’ celebration, with the former United man watching on. Tipsbladet gave him a 4/6 rating for his 20-minute cameo with the outlet’s rating scale classing a 4/6 as an “excellent performance”. Eriksen, meanwhile, was given a 3/6 - which is an “approved performance” per the website’s rating system.
Ekstra Bladet rated Hojlund 8/10 and said of his performance: “He generally seemed very determined, and just as he broke his goal drought at Manchester United the other day, now came the first international goal since October 2023.”
They were also more critical of Eriksen, as they gave the United man a 5/10: “On a good day, Eriksen almost scored a hat-trick. Penalty kick and huge chance at the end of the first half, where it was saved on the line. Also a nice shot opportunity after the break, where he hits it crooked.”
Given the late nature of Dorgu’s introduction, his performance was not up for major review by the local media.
What next for Denmark?
Denmark are back in action on Sunday as they head to Portugal. Thursday’s game was the first leg of a two-legged quarter final in the Nations League with one side set to advance to the semi-finals on Sunday night.
Hojlund may have done enough to earn a start in the away tie after his heroics in Copenhagen. The United striker was called into the squad while in the midst of his goal drought for the Red Devils. At the time of his selection, Denmark manager Brian Riemer defended his decision to select Hojlund. He said: "Rasmus Hojlund’s form speaks for itself. I can’t say anything else, because you know the numbers. I would prefer to select a team where the players are bursting with self-confidence and in top form.
"But sometimes you also have to compromise. My job is to find the balance of how many of those who are not in top form I can select. I think Rasmus Hojlund really benefits from coming here and getting some national love."
His decision has certainly proved a shrewd one after Thursday’s fixture.
Related topics:Christian EriksenPatrick DorguRasmus Hojlund
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