Denmark got their UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying Group 5 campaign off to a promising, if belated start with a convincing home win against Portugal at the Viborg Stadium.

Missed chances
Having sat out qualifying until now with an eye to their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign last month, Denmark dominated the first half, enjoying possession for long periods. But although Camilla Sand, Majken Pape, Cathrine Paaske Sørensen and Merete Pedersen all came close to scoring in the first 20 minutes, not until five minutes before the break did they finally breach the Portugal defence when Merete Pedersen connected with a fine cross from Mia Olsen. Within 30 seconds, though, Edite Fernandes equalised for the visitors, giving Portugal cause for optimism ahead of the second half.

Sand first
But just five minutes after the restart Denmark were again ahead as Pape rose to convert a powerful header. Sand’s first international goal made it 3-1 on the hour, Pape was again on target and, with ten minutes left, Pedersen grabbed her second of the afternoon to round off an impressive second-half performance. Denmark moved into third place in Group 5, a point behind Scotland and six adrift of leaders Ukraine, both of whom have played two games more than the Scandinavian outfit. Scotland is Denmark's destination on Wednesday, while Portugal will aim to improve their one-point tally at home to Slovakia and Ukraine in February.