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Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen produced a sensational performance for his national side but it wasn’t enough, as they came crashing out of the UEFA Nations League at the hands of Portugal.
Denmark came into the match with a one-goal advantage, secured last week thanks to Rasmus Højlund’s impact off the bench.
Cristiano Ronaldo won a penalty for Portugal in the 38th minute but missed the spot-kick as Kasper Schmeichel dived the right way. However, Portugal ended up taking the lead courtesy of an own goal from Fulham star Joachim Andersen.
That lead was erased in the 56th minute when Rasmus Kristensen headed in the equalizer. Although Ronaldo restored the home side’s advantage with a tight-angle finish, Eriksen struck in the 76th minute to put Denmark back in front on aggregate. Patrick Dorgu provided the assist for Eriksen’s close-range strike.
Substitute Francisco Trincao turned the game on its head, firing home from outside the box in the 86th minute to make it 3-3 on aggregate and force extra time before finding the back of the net again in the 91st minute.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos added a fifth later on to set up a semi-final clash with Germany.
Eriksen played 83 minutes before being replaced by Morten Frendrup. After the United midfielder’s departure, Denmark lost their creativity and attacking spark, ultimately unravelling.
In addition to his goal, Eriksen registered an assist for Kristensen’s headed finish. Eriksen touched the ball 42 times and managed to find his teammates with 21 of the 26 passes he attempted. One of his passes was a key pass.
The 33-year-old successfully connected with one of the three crosses he aimed and all two long balls that he pinged.
Eriksen fired two shots in total – one on target, for the goal, but the other didn’t require Diogo Costa to swing into action.
The Dane completed the one dribble he embarked on and won the single aerial duel he contested. He delved into three ground challenges and came out on top just once.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
It was a top performance from Eriksen but unfortunately, it didn’t count for too much at the end. Eriksen will now shift his attention to United ahead of the club’s clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on April 1.
Featured image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images
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