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.”
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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.
