Osula features in famous Denmark win as Bamba impresses for France U21s
It was a memorable international night for William Osula, who helped Denmark spoil Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo tribute with a stunning 4-1 victory in Braga.
The Newcastle striker came off the bench during the second half as Denmark ran riot, while Aladji Bamba also got a late opportunity to impress at Under-21 level for France.
Osula helps Denmark spoil Ronaldo tribute
Portugal had made Saturday night’s Nations League clash all about Cristiano Ronaldo, staging a tribute to their legendary forward following his announcement that he was retiring from international football.
The players walked out wearing shirts bearing Ronaldo’s number seven, supporters displayed tributes in the stands and a message appeared on the scoreboard in the seventh minute.
However, the celebrations quickly turned sour as Denmark produced a brilliant performance to win 4-1 away from home.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before half-time, before Rasmus Hojlund struck twice in the early stages of the second half to put the visitors firmly in control.
Osula was introduced with 17 minutes remaining, with Denmark already 3-0 ahead, and made an immediate contribution by winning a free-kick on the right.
The resulting delivery led to Joachim Andersen heading home Denmark’s fourth, putting the result beyond doubt and ensuring Portugal’s planned celebration ended in disappointment.
Bernardo Silva grabbed a late consolation for the hosts, but Denmark had secured a famous 4-1 win in Braga.
Osula will now hope to build on that contribution when Denmark face Norway in their final Nations League fixture on Tuesday.
Bamba impresses in France U21 cameo
There was also another international appearance for Newcastle midfielder Aladji Bamba, who came off the bench for France U21s in their 2-1 friendly defeat against Italy.
Bamba was introduced in the 79th minute, with Italy already leading through Francesco Camarda and Luca Lipani after Guillaume Versini had briefly drawn France level.
Despite having only a short time on the pitch, the Newcastle youngster made an impact late on.
In stoppage time, Bamba almost provided the assist for Tidiam Gomis, whose effort was saved by the Italian goalkeeper as France searched for an equaliser.
It was another useful opportunity for Bamba to gain experience at international level, following his lack of minutes at Newcastle so far this season.
He will now look to build on that appearance when France U21s take on England on Monday, with another chance to impress at a higher level of youth international football.
