2 September 2006, by Tom Kundert

Nani stars as Denmark overcome poor Portugal

Denmark 4-2 Portugal

A new-look Portugal fell to a heavy defeat in Copenhagen yesterday, going down 4-2 and in so doing registering a third successive defeat for the first time in 30 years.

Coach Luiz Filipe Scolari was not too downhearted at the final whistle however, pointing out that it was a largely experimental team, and that some of the new players brought in showed plenty of potential.

None more so than 19-year-old winger Nani (pictured). The young star, who only made his Sporting debut one year ago, capped a remarkable 12 months with a goal on his full Portugal debut as well as a sparkling all-round display. He also hit a post after bamboozling two defenders.

Apart from this bright spot it was a disappointing performance from Portugal, who will have to improve to avoid embarrassment in their European Championship campaign, which gets underway in Finland on Wednesday.

The Danes twice took the lead through Tomasson and Kahlenberg but were twice pegged back by strikes from Ricardo Carvalho and Nani.

Two late goals from Jorgensen and Bendtner gave the home side a deserved victory.

Portugal fans will be hoping the match serves as a wake-up call before the team take to pitch on Wednesday for their first competitive encounter since their World Cup heroics in Germany.

Denmark:
Sorensen, Jakobsen, Gravgaard, Agger, Nicklas Jensen, Wurtz (Poulsen, 46), Gravesen (Daniel Jensen, 62), Rommedahl, Jorgensen (Claus Jensen, 79), Kahlenberg (Kristiansen, 85), Tomasson (Bendtner, 71)

Portugal:
Ricardo, Paulo Ferreira (Valente, 78), Ricardo Costa, Carvalho (Rocha, 71), Caneira, Costinha, Tiago (Petit, 46), Moutinho (Martins, 46), Ronaldo (Boa Morte, 66), Nani (Almeida, 66), Nuno Gomes

Goals:
[1-0] Tomasson, 14
[1-1] Carvalho, 17
[2-1] Kahlenberg, 21
[2-2] Nani, 65
[3-2] Jorgensen, 77
[4-2] Bendtner, 93