Jacobsen relieved after Denmark come good

Lars Jacobsen and his Denmark team-mates breathed a sigh of relief after Thomas Kahlenberg's added-time goal got them off to a winning start against Iceland in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group H.

Jacobsen, a deadline day acquisition for West Ham United FC, was one of the standout performers in a dominant Danish display in the first half at the Parken Stadium. The right-back's forward thrust characterised his team's positive intentions in their opening qualifier but it took 91 minutes for Kahlenberg to find a way past Gunnleifur Gunnleifsson and secure maximum points.

"I think the first half was OK but we were probably too scared about dropping points in the second," Jacobsen told UEFA.com. "However, our opponents also adjusted to our way of playing. It would have been pretty terrible if we had not managed to win, so the atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards was one of relief more than happiness.

"Personally, I was content with my performance in the first half. Though I got less space after the break, I am generally quite pleased with my efforts. My move to West Ham has made me more optimistic and I can take this into the national team as well because the future looks bright."

Elsewhere in the section, Portugal, held to a 4-4 draw by Cyprus on Friday, suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat against Norway, who now set the pace at the summit. With a trip to Porto next up for Morten Olsen's side on 8 October, Jacobsen is aware that their section remains up for grabs.

"Our group is very open, that is for certain," added the 30-year-old. "We still have to play twice against Portugal, who are under pressure now, and the results of those matches will undoubtedly have a big impact on the outcome of the group. We are obviously aiming for first place so our late goal against Iceland was crucial."