It was a second of pure defiance and confidence—a younger striker discovering his type and making a daring assertion in entrance of a soccer legend. In Denmark’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final conflict towards Portugal, Rasmus Hojlund delivered a decisive blow, scoring the profitable aim and instantly rubbing it in by hitting Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration.
With Portugal’s talisman watching from just some yards away, the Danish ahead wheeled away in celebration, whereas Ronaldo’s response stated all the pieces. This wasn’t only a aim. It was a press release.
Hojlund’s latest struggles in entrance of aim have been nicely documented. Earlier than final weekend, the 22-year-old had gone 21 matches with out scoring for Manchester United. His lack of type had fueled hypothesis that United may very well be out there for a brand new striker this summer time, elevating doubts about whether or not Hojlund would also have a long-term future at Outdated Trafford.
Nonetheless, that modified towards Leicester Metropolis final weekend. Hojlund lastly broke his aim drought, netting in a 3-0 victory for United. Extra importantly, the aim appeared to reignite his confidence—and that perception carried over to the worldwide stage.
Rasmus Hojlund actually hit Cristiano Ronaldo’s “I am right here” and “SIUUU” celebrations after scoring the winner for Denmark vs. Ronaldo’s Portugal 🥶
Man United heritage 😅
In opposition to the Seleção das Quinas, Hojlund discovered himself in the appropriate place on the proper time, assembly Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross and coolly ending into the underside nook within the 78th minute. The aim gave Denmark an important 1-0 win within the first leg, placing them in management forward of the return fixture on Sunday. However it was what occurred subsequent that made headlines.
Rubbing it in Ronaldo’s face
After scoring the winner, Hojlund ran towards the Danish supporters and celebrated in a means that left no doubts about his intentions—he carried out Ronaldo’s signature ‘Siu’ celebration, sending the house crowd right into a frenzy.
Cristiano Ronaldo, nonetheless on the pitch, may solely stand and watch. The 40-year-old ahead—who stays Portugal’s key man regardless of questions over his long-term future—had no response. His physique language spoke volumes: fingers on his hips, an unimpressed expression, however no seen response.
Assume it was a respect factor trigger Ronaldo is Hojlund’s idol, however it is rather painful to do towards Ronaldo
For Hojlund, this was a surreal second. Just some years in the past, he idolized Ronaldo, even shaping his profession after the Portuguese celebrity.
Hojlund: From Ronaldo’s largest fan to his rival
Hojlund has by no means hidden his admiration for Ronaldo. In an interview with DR.dk, he overtly admitted that Cristiano was the rationale he fell in love with soccer. “Now I’m not going to magnify, however Cristiano is all the pieces to me,” he stated.
“I fell in love with soccer due to Cristiano. I turned a Manchester United fan due to Cristiano. I began self-training due to Cristiano. I began doing push-ups and sit-ups on daily basis earlier than I went to mattress due to Cristiano, as a result of I wished to be Cristiano.”