A first half brace from Nani with a late insurance goal from Cristiano Ronaldo capped an impressive display by Portugal, posting a convincing 3-1 over a Denmark team that had bested the Seleccao in World Cup qualifying.
Euro 2012 Qualifying: Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo Ring-In Paulo Bento Era, Lead Portugal To 3-1 Win Over Denmark
Beyond the score, the Portuguese played with a confidence and creativity that was never seen under former coach Carlos Queiroz. In Paulo Bento’s debut, Portugal discarded their conservative approach in favor of a style that saw the Seleccao instill an open approach, allowing Nani and Ronaldo to better utilize their stills. The result was a Denmark team on the back heel all match, a better reflection of the teams’ relative talents than the strangled matches of World Cup qualifying.
With the win, Portugal sits on four points through three matches, and although that puts them second place Group H, the Seleccao is already five points ahead group-leading Norway, having already dropped three points to the Norweigans.
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