Kasper Schmeichel was in action for Denmark last night as they beat Portugal in their Nations League playoff.
Schmeichel was one of 12 Celtic players on international duty this month as the club were well represented .
Following the Hoops’ 3-2 defeat to Rangers on Sunday, the break may have come at a good time for fans and the squad to take stock of how well they have done this term and ensure they’re back at it for the run-in which includes a Scottish Cup semi-final to come.
And Brendan Rodgers will be keeping his fingers and toes crossed that his players come back from the break without any injury issues.
Schmeichel has been a rock for Celtic and the Dane is close to equaling a club record of Premiership clean sheets with one more set to do it. But he got his practice in last night as his nation beat Portugal 1-0 with the 38-year-old acting as captain in the absence of Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg.
The Danish media heaped praise on the stopper for his performance as he rolled back the years. One outlet hilariously wrote: “F—, he is still a wall,” as the goalie reminded everyone how good he really is.
To be fair, Schmeichel faced just two shots on target from the Portuguese side – who could clearly be doing with Jota’s talents – as they kept the door shut at the back while dominating their opponents in attack.
| Outlet | Comment |
| Ekstrabladet | “A game we’ve seen before from Kasper Schmeichel. Two fine saves in the first half on two shots he should have, but he also has. Not much to go on.” |
| BT | “Discovered the joy of standing in goal as a child in Portugal. We have today’s opponent to thank for that. Because f— Schmeichel is still a wall!“Wasn’t really that busy, but was there when he was needed – and there was also just enough room for a single TV save.” |
| DR | “The national team’s senior president was wearing the captain’s armband in his 112th match for Denmark.“The first half was surprisingly calm for Schmeichel, who saved a single Portuguese kick under the crossbar and had a single bad move. A little more work for the goalkeeper after the break, but there were safe hands throughout.” |
Schmeichel’s Celtic form helps him for Denmark
And considering Schmeichel’s Celtic form, it would have been no surprise to see him putting on a strong showing for his country as he has done so often in the past.
The custodian has now played 112 times for his nation and kept 53 clean sheets.
The clean sheet vs Cristiano Ronaldo and co. will have boosted Schmeichel’s confidence levels following Celtic’s loss at home to their greatest rivals.
Schmeichel was accused of a “scandalous” moment against the Light Blues when he gave the ball straight to Vaclav Cerny at Celtic Park. He was lucky not to ship a goal in that instance.
