Kasper Schmeichel took to Instagram to share his delight after captaining Denmark to a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg on Thursday night.
The Celtic goalkeeper wore the armband in the absence of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and played a key role in keeping a clean sheet against a Portugal side that featured Cristiano Ronaldo up front. It was Schmeichel’s 112th appearance for his country, and it ended with a hugely important result as Denmark now head to Lisbon for Sunday’s return leg with a slender advantage.
Posting on social media after the final whistle, the 38-year-old said: “What a night. Massive game Sunday now.”
The ‘keeper talked about how it is his “boyhood dream” to captain his country.
Schmeichel has enjoyed a strong season at Celtic since signing last summer, playing a pivotal role in the club’s domestic campaign and continuing to impress with his leadership. While his distribution came under some criticism in the recent Glasgow Derby defeat, there’s no doubting his experience and impact in high-pressure matches, both at club and international level.
Leading his country to victory against a team packed with attacking talent is another proud moment in a long and decorated career. With a huge second leg in Lisbon to come, Schmeichel will be aiming to guide his side into the next stage of the Nations League and extend what has been a fine run for both club and country this season.
What a honour to not only represent your country but doing so wearing the caprains armband.
Keeping a clean sheet against a team with plenty of firepower up front.
Denmark and their impressive keeper now head to Portugal for the all important return leg, with a slender 1-0 advantage, it will be a big night with Portugal having home advantage and the crowd playing their part.
Schmeichel has endured hostile fans whilst playing for celtic, not only in the spfl, but also in this year’s CL, where Schmeichel and his teammates narrowly missed out taking Bayern Munich into extra time, with the hosts scoring a late last gasp winner, that shattered Schmeichels and his teammates hopes of progressing into the last 16, something nobody gave them any hope of doing so.
Especially after their earlier time in Germany facing a Dortmund team that blew celtic away with a 7-1 defeat, so getting to as far as they did was an amazing fete, one that will help Schmeichel overcome Portugal in Sundays second leg..🤜👏👏🤛