Euro 2012: Silvestre Varela and the Men of the Match from Denmark vs. Portugal

In what was arguably the most entertaining match of the tournament so far, Portugal squeaked out a win over upstart Denmark. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Pepe were looking for Portugal's first points in the group while Daniel Agger, Christian Eriksen and Danish hero Michael Krohn-Dehli hoped to build on Denmark's earlier success against the Netherlands.

Portugal were up 2-0 through goals from Pepe and beleaguered striker Helder Postiga, and looked to hold the two-goal advantage going into the half, but a 41st minute header from Nicklas Bendtner halved the deficit right before the whistle blew.

The momentum had changed going into the locker room.

How would each team react?

Ronaldo had several chances to put the game away for Portugal, including two sitters that he uncharacteristically missed. If Portugal doesn't go through, Ronaldo could be considered the biggest flop of the tournament.

The score stayed 2-1 until the 80th minute, when the Scourge of Portugal, Bendtner, snapped a header from a Lars Jacobsen cross past Rui Patricio and into the net, surely clinching a point for Denmark.

Portuguese substitute Silvestre Varela had other ideas.

In the 87th minute, Varela's half-volley screamed by Stephan Andersen and won the three points for Portugal. 

Let's count down the men of the match from Denmark vs. Portugal

Honorable Mention: Hélder Postiga

Center forward has been a problem area for Portugal as of late and the expression on Hélder Postiga's face to the left embodies that sort of weariness and doubt.

However, Postiga got his goal today with a cool, virtually unsaveable finish from Nani's cross. 

After his goal, though, Postiga faded from the game. Portugal needs 90 minutes of productivity from him to really be a lethal attacking force.

Honorable Mention: Daniel Agger

Daniel Agger had another solid all-around display for Denmark today against Portugal, providing the rock-solid defending he is known for along with occasional forays into the attacking third.

Alongside Simon Kjaer, Agger kept Portugal relatively at bay, blocking a number of shots and stuffing multiple Portuguese attacks. 

Another good game from the Danish captain.

Honorable Mention: Lars Jacobsen

Lars Jacobsen was another Dane that had a solid, multi-faceted game today. 

Jacobsen performed admirably in shutting Cristiano Ronaldo down all game long—contributing to CR7's mounting frustrations—and was a constant force down the right flank for the Danish attack.

It was Jacobsen's cross that Nicklas Bendtner latched onto for the Danes' second, seemingly point-clinching goal. 

If Jacobsen can provide the same level of play against Germany that he provided today, Denmark stands a greater chance of getting through to the quarterfinals. 

Third Place: Pepe

Pepe was huge for Portugal today, scoring the first goal of the night on a gorgeous header and providing stellar defense. 

Pepe is proving to be one of the classier(!) players for Portugal, commanding his backline with an un-Pepe-like authority and without committing any serious fouls. 

I daresay I am becoming a Pepe fan.

Runner-Up: Nicklas Bendtner

Nicklas Bendtner continued his dominance of Portugal. He now has six goals against them in five matches, with two headed goals in either half. 

His hold-up play was exceptional tonight, playing off of Christian Eriksen, who had a better night tonight, and giving the Portuguese back-line headaches all night. 

Bendtner will need to come up big against Germany if Denmark hopes to get out of the group. 

Man of the Match: Silvestre Varela

Silvestre Varela will definitely be on Cristiano Ronaldo's Christmas card list this year.

When Ronaldo came up way short for his country, Varela took the reins and smashed home the winner for Portugal, insuring their survival in the Group of Death. 

Ronaldo, take some notes on how to finish. It will do you some good.

Your Thoughts?

Silvestre Varela came on a substitute, won the game for Portugal and came away with Man of the Match honors.

Who was your Man of the Match? Let me know in the comments section!

Happy Euros, and cheers!