The result means Denmark’s own qualification hopes hang in the balance as Albania look to finish in second place.
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Kasper Schmeichel couldn’t have done much more there and Portugal had just grabbed a very precious lead that would allow them to approach the remaining of the game knowing they had a 2-goal cushion over their main goal of earning at least 1 point this Thursday night.
Having won all but one of their Group I matches, they were always favourites to make it to France and – after Nani had hit the bar for the hosts and Denmark’s Nicklas Bendtner had seen an effort come back off a post – Moutinho struck after collecting a clearance.
A goal from Joao Moutinho guaranteed Portugal will qualify for the European Championship as Group I winners as they saw off Denmark in Braga.
World champions Germany missed a chance to clinch their place at Euro 2016 after losing 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, while Northern Ireland secured their first finals trip after beating Greece 3-1.
Joachim Low’s side dominated possession, but the only goal of the game came in the 70 minute through Shane Long.
Germany top the group on 19 points, followed by Poland and Ireland both on 18.
Robert Lewandowski continued his incredible goalscoring form with a third-minute opener for Poland at Hampden Park but the hosts replied through Matt Ritchie’s terrific long-range strike just before half-time.
Denmark had the first chance of the match when Braithwaite sent in a risky cross from the left toward Bendtner, but goalkeeper Rui Patricio was alert and claimed the ball before the Wolfsburg striker could get to it.
Denmark were held to a 0-0 draw with Armenia last month.
The win moves Northern Ireland onto 20 points, three ahead of second-placed Romania following its 1-1 draw against Finland in Bucharest.
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Even though Denmark did manage to keep Ronaldo at bay and unable to score throughout the whole game, it would be AS Monaco midfielder João Moutinho striking the decisive blow in the second half and sending Portugal to France next summer by advancing on the top of the standings in Group I.
