Denmark reach Euro 2012, Portugal in playoffs

Denmark's William Kvist (R) and Michael Silberbauer (L) fight for the ball against Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during the Euro 2012 Group H qualifying soccer match in Copenhagen Oct 11, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

COPENHAGEN - Denmark reached Euro 2012 with an impressive 2-1 win over Portugal on Tuesday which condemned the visitors to a place in next month's playoffs.

Denmark started strongly as Michael Silbarbauer tipped Christian Eriksen's free kick into keeper Rui Patricio's goal but his effort was ruled out for a foul.

The home side, who won the 1992 European title, only had to wait until the 13th minute to go ahead, however, when midfielder Michael Krohn-Dehli cut in and fired a curling shot past Patricio.

Portugal struggled to overcome Denmark's possession but they lacked aggression, looked vulnerable at set pieces and long balls and rarely threatened.

Denmark's second came when veteran forward Dennis Rommedahl punished Portugal on the break, racing past left back Eliseu on the right wing to square for a simple tap-in by Nicklas Bendtner on 63 minutes.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, ineffective throughout, scored a consolation with a trademark dipping free kick at the start of stoppage time but it was too late for the visitors who will go into the playoffs.

Ronaldo's low shot was well held by Thomas Sorensen on 38 minutes and moments later Nani could have levelled but his shot went just over Sorensen's bar in two rare moments of danger inside Denmark's box.

Ten minutes into the first half Nani jinked past two defenders on the right and layed the ball off for Carlos Martins whose left-foot shot inside the box was safely caught by Sorensen.

Portugal lacked speed in attack and were shaky at the back throughout, struggling with the Danes' physical game and acute tactical organisation.

Denmark's second came when veteran Dennis Rommedahl punished Portugal on the break, racing  past left back Eliseu on the right wing to square for a simple tap-in by Bendtner on 63 minutes.

The Danes could have added a third but were wasteful in attack with both Bendtner and Rommedahl missing good chances.