Vitinha found a new way to make his mark for Portugal on Thursday night, rising at the far post to score the first international goal of his career in a 4-2 Nations League win over Denmark.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder struck in his 46th appearance for the national side, ending a long wait despite his regular contribution in front of goal at club level. Standing 1.70m tall, Vitinha was left unmarked as Bruno Fernandes delivered a cross towards the second post, and he guided a header into the net in the 67th minute.
His goal restored Portugal’s lead at 3-2 and proved decisive, with the Seleção keeping control of the match from that point.
A first Portugal goal after 46 caps
Vitinha had already scored 27 times in 211 matches for PSG, but his Portugal account had remained empty until the meeting with Denmark.
The midfielder’s breakthrough came shortly after Denmark had levelled through Rasmus Højlund in the 53rd minute. Højlund celebrated by copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s familiar pose, despite Ronaldo having left the Portugal squad on Wednesday.
Portugal responded through Vitinha and went on to complete a 4-2 victory, giving the PSG player a landmark night with his country.
Norway next for Portugal
Portugal will finish their first international gathering of the season on Sunday, when they face Norway at 20:45. Vitinha will head into that fixture with the pressure of a first senior international goal finally lifted.
