Nani guides Portugal to first qualifying victory

(GSM) – Portugal finally earned their first Euro 2012 qualifying victory on Friday, beating Denmark 3-1 in Porto.

After drawing with Cyprus and losing to Norway, Portugal desperately needed a good result against Denmark, who won their opening game against Iceland.

Manchester United’s Nani was of great influence for Paulo Bento’s men, scoring in the 29th and 31st minutes to hand Portugal a comfortable 2-0 lead.

An own goal from Ricardo Carvalho allowed the tension to return in the 79th minute but Cristiano Ronaldo restored the gap six minutes later, 3-1.

Portugal are now in second place in Group H with four points from three games. Norway top the group, having won all of their first three matches.

The Norwegians played away to Cyprus and made the difference in the first half with goals from John Arne Riise and John Carew. Giannakis Okkas pulled one back in the second half, 1-2.