Denmark produced a commanding performance to defeat Portugal 4-1 at the Estadio Municipal de Braga on Saturday, November 14, ending the hosts' perfect record in the UEFA Nations League group stage.
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice in the second half after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Joachim Andersen added a fourth to complete an impressive away performance.
Bernardo Silva pulled one back for Portugal in stoppage time, but his late goal did little to soften a disappointing evening for Jorge Jesus' side, who suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
The result lifted Denmark into second place in Group A4, three points ahead of Norway, setting up a decisive meeting between the two Scandinavian nations on Tuesday.
Denmark started the match with greater intensity, putting Portugal under pressure and creating several early opportunities.
Gustav Isaksen, Morten Hjulmand and Hojlund were all involved as the visitors controlled possession and repeatedly threatened the Portuguese defence.
Portugal struggled to establish their attacking rhythm despite having Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and Pedro Neto in their starting lineup.
The visitors thought they had broken the deadlock in the 38th minute when Hojlund finished from close range, but the goal was ruled out after Mikkel Damsgaard was caught offside in the buildup.
Denmark eventually took the lead in the 43rd minute following a VAR review.
Ruben Dias was penalised for handling the ball inside the penalty area after Hojlund's header struck his arm.
Hojbjerg stepped forward and confidently converted the resulting penalty, sending a powerful effort into the top corner beyond Diogo Costa.
The goal rewarded Denmark's superior first-half performance and gave Brian Riemer's side a deserved advantage at the interval.
Denmark wasted little time extending their lead after the restart.
In the 50th minute, Damsgaard delivered an inviting cross towards the far post, where Hojlund arrived unmarked to strike a superb left-footed volley into the bottom corner.
The goal doubled Denmark's advantage and exposed the defensive weaknesses that had troubled Portugal throughout the opening period.
Seven minutes later, Hojlund struck again.
Hojbjerg played a perfectly weighted through ball into the striker's path, allowing him to turn Renato Veiga before firing a composed right-footed finish beyond Costa.
The 57th-minute goal completed Hojlund's brace and gave Denmark a commanding 3-0 lead.
Portugal attempted to respond through substitutions, introducing Joao Palhinha, Francisco Trincao and Carlos Forbs in the 64th minute.
However, the changes failed to immediately disrupt Denmark's momentum, with the visitors continuing to defend confidently and threaten on the counterattack.
Denmark extended their advantage in the 75th minute when Joachim Andersen rose to meet Mathias Jensen's excellent delivery from a free-kick.
The defender directed a powerful header into the top corner, leaving Costa helpless as Denmark moved 4-0 ahead.
Portugal continued searching for a response, with Fernandes and Trincao among those attempting to create opportunities.
Denmark goalkeeper Mads Hermansen remained alert, making important saves to prevent the hosts from finding a way back into the contest.
The Portuguese finally broke through in the third minute of stoppage time.
Joao Neves saw his close-range effort saved by Hermansen, but Bernardo Silva reacted quickest to the rebound and finished from close range to make it 4-1.
Silva's goal proved to be little more than a consolation as Denmark comfortably secured all three points.
The victory represented a significant statement from Denmark, who entered the contest knowing that a positive result would improve their chances of progressing from Group A4.
Riemer's side produced an effective combination of organised defending, aggressive pressing and clinical attacking play to overwhelm a Portugal team that had won its previous four group matches.
Denmark also finished with an expected goals total of 2.33 compared with Portugal's 1.26, underlining the quality of opportunities they created.
Hojlund emerged as the standout performer with two excellent finishes, while Hojbjerg contributed a goal and an assist.
Despite the defeat, Portugal have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.
Denmark, meanwhile, will turn their attention to Tuesday's crucial meeting with Norway, knowing that their emphatic victory in Braga has strengthened their position in the race for the remaining qualification place.
For Portugal, the result raises questions about their defensive organisation and attacking effectiveness as they prepare for the knockout stage.
For Denmark, it was a memorable night that demonstrated their ability to compete with Europe's leading international teams.
