March 24, 2025 – Portugal secured a 5-2 victory over Denmark in the second leg of their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, overturning a 1-0 aggregate deficit to advance...

March 24, 2025 – Portugal secured a 5-2 victory over Denmark in the second leg of their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, overturning a 1-0 aggregate deficit to advance to the semifinals. The match, played at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade, saw substitute Francisco Trincão score twice in extra time to seal a dramatic 5-3 aggregate win.

Match Highlights

First Leg: Denmark won 1-0 in Copenhagen on March 20, 2025, courtesy of Rasmus Højlund’s goal.

Second Leg:

Early Drama: Portugal earned a penalty in the 3rd minute after Patrick Dorgu fouled Cristiano Ronaldo, but Kasper Schmeichel saved Ronaldo’s spot kick.

Own Goal Breakthrough: Joachim Andersen inadvertently headed Bruno Fernandes’ corner into his own net in the 38th minute, leveling the aggregate score.

Denmark’s Fightback: Rasmus Kristensen equalized in the 56th minute with a header, and Christian Eriksen restored Denmark’s aggregate lead in the 76th minute.

Trincão’s Heroics: Substituted in the 81st minute, Trincão scored in the 86th and 91st minutes to force extra time and take the lead. Gonçalo Ramos sealed the win with a 115th-minute goal.

Key Performances

Francisco Trincão: The Sporting CP winger’s two goals in extra time turned the tie, earning praise as the match’s decisive figure.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Despite missing a penalty and being substituted in extra time, Ronaldo’s leadership and pressure on Denmark’s defense were pivotal.

Denmark’s Resilience: Schmeichel’s saves and Eriksen’s goal highlighted Denmark’s grit, though fatigue in extra time proved costly.

Tactical Shifts

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez credited his team’s adaptability, deploying high-pressing tactics and impactful substitutes like Trincão and Ramos. Denmark’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, particularly from corners and crosses.

Semifinal Outlook

Portugal joins Germany, Spain, and France in the semifinals, scheduled for June 4–5, 2025. Their next opponent, Germany, edged Italy 5-4 on aggregate in their quarterfinal.

Legacy and Context

Portugal’s victory marked their 11th win in 14 Nations League home matches and extended their nine-game competitive home winning streak. Ronaldo’s goal continued his streak of scoring in Portugal’s last four Nations League home victories.

Quote:

“This was a collective effort. The players showed incredible focus and adaptability under pressure,” said Martínez.

Next Steps: The semifinals will determine the finalists for the June 8, 2025, title match, with the winner earning direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.