Rasmus Hojlund netted the winner for Denmark against Portugal before copying the trademark celebration of legendary former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark celebrates
Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund was the hero for Denmark against Portugal on Thursday night
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has opened up on his Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired celebration after scoring the winner for Denmark against Portugal on Thursday.
Ronaldo's Portugal suffered a late goal from Hojlund, resulting in a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final match at Parken Stadium on Thursday. The Reds forward netted the winner in the 78th minute, providing some relief for club and international teammate Christian Eriksen, whose penalty in the first half was saved.
Portugal must now reverse a one-goal deficit in the second leg on Sunday evening to advance to the semi-finals under Roberto Martinez in June.
Hojlund has now expanded further on his Ronaldo-style celebration, which saw him mimic the legendary forward's trademark 'siu' routine after scoring.
"The 7-year-old fan in me might’ve gotten the overhand after I scored," he said on Instagram.
Hojlund confirmed after the game that his actions were not a mark of disrespect towards the former United winger and striker.
"I’m playing against the world’s best footballer, my idol, and to score a goal and win the match... it couldn’t be better," Man United's current No.9 told TV2 via Fotbollskanalen.
He added: "It’s for my idol. It’s not like I’m mocking him or anything. I’ve just always said that he has a lot of importance to me and my football career.
"It’s maybe a bit ambivalent, but scoring against him and Portugal is huge. I was there and saw him in 2009 when he scored from a free kick and I’ve been a fan ever since."
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