I am sure Denmark which has already played seven games will want to return the favour to Ronaldo and his team-mates, as the Danes also know that a defeat for them and a victory for Albania would knock them down to third and out of an automatic qualifying spot.
Advertisement
Portugal booked their ticket to Euro 2016 with a 1-0 win over Denmark in Braga on Thursday. They’re a talented team, but Ronaldo’s generational talent is a step above anyone else on the pitch, and how he performs will dictate the final result. Bendtner’s size and athleticism could be a problem for Alves if the big Dane gets rolling, so keep an eye on how this battle plays out, especially later in this first half as Alves’ legs might be starting to wear down.
Joao Moutinho was next to try his luck from distance, but the Monaco midfielder’s effort was several yards over the crossbar.
Nani came close to breaking the deadlock a few minutes before the break, but his looping header bounced off the bar.
“It was great”, the Real Madrid star told RTP.
The Danish No1 could do nothing when Moutinho collected a clearance on the edge of the box, cut inside Daniel Agger and rifled the ball into the corner with his right foot.
Bendtner rattled the outside of the post with a left-footed volley moments after the break, before Ronaldo and Tiago were both thwarted by Schmeichel.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been released from worldwide duty after Portugal qualified for Euro 2016 on Thursday.
Santos said in his postmatch news conference that the veteran players were allowed to return to their clubs immediately.
Ireland is assured of at least a playoff place after securing its first ever competitive win over Germany.
Portugal fought back and forced a good save from goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Advertisement
Injury time goals from Aleksandar Kolarov and Adem Ljajic gave Serbia a late win.
