PORTUGAL TRIUMPHS OVER DENMARK IN EXTRA-TIME THRILLER TO REACH NATIONS LEAGUE SEMIFINALS

Lisbon, March 23, 2025 – Portugal secured their place in the UEFA Nations League semifinals with a dramatic 5-2 victory over Denmark after extra time at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Sunday night, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to win 5-3 on aggregate. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing Portugal’s resilience and Denmark’s tenacity in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The night began with Portugal needing to erase the advantage Denmark had gained in Copenhagen three days prior, thanks to Rasmus Hojlund’s strike. The hosts wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the 33rd minute when an own goal by Denmark’s Joachim Andersen leveled the aggregate score at 1-1.

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite missing a first-half penalty, doubled Portugal’s lead in the 72nd minute with a trademark finish, squeezing the ball in after a deflected shot from Bruno Fernandes. The goal—his 929th in competitive football—silenced critics after a quiet first leg and reignited the Alvalade crowd.

However, Denmark refused to bow out quietly. Just four minutes later, Christian Eriksen restored parity with a clinical strike, putting the Danes ahead 3-2 on aggregate with only 14 minutes remaining in regulation time. Portugal’s hopes seemed to fade, but substitute Francisco Trincão emerged as the hero of the night.

In the 86th minute, he scored his first international goal to make it 3-2, sending the match into extra time with the aggregate tied at 3-3.

Trincão wasn’t done yet. Barely a minute into extra time, the forward struck again with a superb finish, giving Portugal a 4-2 lead (4-3 on aggregate) and shifting the momentum decisively in their favor. As Denmark tired, Ronaldo set up Nuno Mendes for a fifth goal in the 107th minute, sealing a 5-2 victory and a spot in the final four. The Seleção will now face Germany in June, after the latter edged out Italy 5-4 on aggregate.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez praised his team’s character after what he had called their worst performance under his tenure in the first leg.

“We showed attitude, aggression, and quality tonight,” Martinez said post-match. “This is the Portugal we want to see—fighting until the end.”

For Denmark, the defeat marked the end of a spirited campaign. Coach Brian Riemer lamented missed opportunities, noting, “We gave everything, but Portugal’s quality in the extra period was the difference.” Eriksen’s goal and Hojlund’s first-leg heroics were highlights, but the Danes couldn’t withstand Portugal’s late surge.

Ronaldo, despite his earlier penalty miss, was a focal point, with his goal and assist proving pivotal. The 40-year-old shrugged off a subdued first half to remind the world of his enduring impact, while Trincão’s brace off the bench stole the headlines.

“It’s about the team,” Ronaldo said. “We knew we had to step up, and we did.”

The match was a testament to the unpredictability of the Nations League, with twists and turns that left fans buzzing. Portugal’s comeback ensures they remain in contention for the title, setting up an enticing semifinal clash with Germany. For Denmark, it’s a bitter exit, but their performance over both legs showed they can compete with Europe’s elite.

Final Score: Portugal 5-2 Denmark (5-3 aggregate)

Scorers:

Portugal – Andersen (OG, 33’), Ronaldo (72’), Trincão (86’, 91’), Mendes (107’)

Denmark – Eriksen (76’)

Venue: Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon

Next Up: Portugal vs. Germany, UEFA Nations League semifinals, June 4, 2025

Stay tuned for more updates as the Nations League heats up!