Silvestre Varela late goal secures victory for Portugal over Denmark

The Porto forward smashed home the winner having come on just four minutes earlier after Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo had missed two straightforward opportunities to put the result beyond Denmark.

Portugal's chances had looked increasingly remote with just three minutes remaining after they squandered a two-goal lead.

Goals from Pepe and Helder Postiga had Paulo Bento's side coasting but Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner appeared to have secured a point as he continued his remarkable scoring spree against the Portuguese with both of his country's efforts to take his tally to six in five matches against their European rivals.

Portugal were worth their win on the night. They join Denmark and Germany on three points with Germany due to face the Netherlands later on today.

Denmark upset the Dutch 1-0 on Saturday to leave the group delicately poised before the final round of games.

Portugal are the only country to have taken part in at least one group phase at the European Championships while never crashing out in the group phase.