Portugal began a new chapter on Saturday, with new manager Fernando Santos taking charge of the Seleção das Quinas. The 60-year-old Lisbon born Santos saw his side fall in a 2-1 defeat to France, but his new look squad left great indications ahead of Tuesday's meeting with Denmark.
"It's normal that when playing your first match with a new manager and new ideas, after conceding an early goal in a stadium with 80,000 fans, the team may struggle, but we reacted well," Santos said about Saturday's friendly match with France.
"I know what our strategy will be, but I have yet to pick our starting XI. We will have to pay close attention to our opposition, I've studied them well and I've transmitted that information to the players. I hope to celebrate a victory tomorrow to dedicate to the Portuguese fans."
Three points would really go a long way for Portugal after they were defeated in their opening match at home against Albania. With only one game played, that means they have plenty of time to make up for that defeat, but another loss could really push the Lusitanos into the corner.
Denmark already has four points, putting them even on points with Albania, with both topping Group I.
Morten Olsen knows how important earning points at home is, and his side will be looking to take advantage of a Portuguese National Team that is still getting used to their new manager.
"Portugal showed great attitude against France, and they are well prepared," the Danish manager said on Monday.
"We have faith in our own capabilities and we are prepared to take on the Portuguese National Team. We are honored to play in a sold out stadium. We need to take advantage of that situation, hoping that the fans can become the 12th man for us."
The history between these two nations when Denmark hosts is fairly even.
From their last six meetings in all competitions, Portugal has won three, with the hosts winning two of their own, and one draw in between. Portugal's last victory in Denmark came in 1977, in a 2-4 victory over the hosts. Since then, they've lost two and drawn one.
That should certainly give Denmark some confidence knowing that they've had success against their opposition as of late. As for the Portuguese, are they going to be able to get back on track after Paulo Bento's side was defeated in their first group match?
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