Demark 2 Portugal 1:MICHAEL KROHN-DEHLI and Nicklas Bendtner struck to lift Denmark to a place in next years European Championship.
Denmark started strongly last night, with Michael Silbarbauer tipping Christian Eriksen’s free-kick into Rui Patricio’s goal, but his effort was ruled out for a foul.
The home side, who won the 1992 European title, only had to wait until the 13th minute to go ahead, however, when midfielder Krohn-Dehli cut in and fired a curling shot past Patricio.
Portugal struggled to overcome Denmark’s possession, but they lacked aggression, looked vulnerable at set-pieces and long balls and rarely threatened.
Denmark’s second came when veteran Dennis Rommedahl punished Portugal on the break, racing past left back Eliseu on the right wing to square for a simple tap-in by Bendtner on 63 minutes.
Ronaldo, ineffective throughout, scored a consolation for Portugal with a trademark dipping free-kick at the start of stoppage-time, but it was too late for the visitors who will go into the play-offs.
DENMARK:Sorensen, Jacobsen, Kjaer, Bjelland, Silberbauer (Simon Poulsen 77), Kvist Jorgensen, Zimling (Christian Poulsen 70), Eriksen, Rommedahl (Jakob Poulsen 87), Krohn-Delhi, Bendtner. Subs not used: Andersen, Svensson, Schone, Larsen. Booked: Rommedahl, Silberbauer.
PORTUGAL: Rui Patricio, Bruno Alves, Joao Pereira, Rolando, Joao Moutinho, Meireles, Eliseu (Veloso 68), Nani, Carlos Martins (Quaresma 70), Ronaldo, Postiga (Nuno Gomes 78). Subs not used: Eduardo, Ricardo Costa, Ruben Amorim, Ruben Micael.
Referee:N Rizzoli (Italy).
