Portugal produced a thrilling comeback to secure a 5-2 extra-time victory over Denmark in the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance to the Final Four with a 5-3 aggregate score.
Ronaldo Honoured Before Kickoff
Before the match, Cristiano Ronaldo was recognized with a Guinness World Record for achieving the most wins in men’s international football history (132 victories). The special ceremony set the stage for a memorable night for the Portuguese captain, though the match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions.
First Half: Ronaldo Misses Early Penalty, Portugal Take the Lead
Portugal started aggressively and won a penalty in the 3rd minute when Patrick Dorgu fouled Ronaldo inside the box. However, the 40-year-old superstar saw his effort saved by Kasper Schmeichel in a rare miss from the spot.
Ronaldo had another opportunity in the 17th minute, but his header went straight into Schmeichel’s gloves. Denmark, meanwhile, responded through Rasmus Højlund, whose shot was well stopped by Diogo Costa.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute, albeit in unexpected fashion. Joakim Andersen, under pressure, mistakenly headed the ball into his own net while trying to clear a corner, giving Portugal a 1-0 lead.
Ronaldo thought he had doubled the advantage just before halftime with a close-range header, but the goal was disallowed for offside, keeping the score at 1-0 at the break.
Second Half: Drama Unfolds as Denmark Fights Back
Denmark nearly found an equalizer immediately after the restart when Morten Hjulmand fired a long-range effort just wide in the 48th minute. Their persistence paid off in the 56th minute, as Rasmus Kristensen rose highest to nod home from a corner, making it 1-1.
Portugal responded in the 72nd minute when Bruno Fernandes unleashed a powerful shot from distance. The ball struck the post, bounced off Schmeichel, and fell to Ronaldo, who calmly fired home from a tight angle to restore Portugal’s lead at 2-1.
However, Denmark refused to back down. Just five minutes later, Ruben Dias lost possession near the touchline, allowing Patrick Dorgu to deliver a dangerous low cross that Christian Eriksen converted to level the score at 2-2 in the 77th minute.
Portugal nearly struck again in the 79th minute, but Schmeichel produced a stunning save to deny Ronaldo from close range.
Extra Time: Trincão and Ramos Seal the Victory
With the match on a knife’s edge, Portugal’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 86th minute. A misjudged clearance by Schmeichel saw the ball land at the feet of Francisco Trincão, who made no mistake with a volleyed finish to put Portugal ahead 3-2.
As the match moved into extra time, Trincão stepped up again to become the night’s hero. In the 95th minute, Gonçalo Ramos’ shot was parried by Schmeichel, but Trincão reacted quickest to slam home the rebound, extending Portugal’s lead to 4-2.
The final blow came in the 115th minute, when Gonçalo Ramos finally got on the scoresheet, coolly finishing past Schmeichel to seal a dominant 5-2 victory.
Key Takeaways from Portugal’s Triumph
- Portugal overturned a first-leg deficit with a commanding 5-2 win in Lisbon, securing a Final Four spot.
- Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty but redeemed himself with a goal and an assist.
- Francisco Trincão was the standout performer, scoring twice, including the decisive extra-time goal.
- Bruno Fernandes, Gonçalo Ramos, and an own goal from Joakim Andersen completed Portugal’s scoring.
- Denmark fought hard, with Kristensen and Eriksen scoring crucial goals, but they couldn’t keep up in extra time.
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What’s Next?
Portugal now advances to the Nations League semi-finals, where they will aim to continue their dominance. Meanwhile, Denmark exits the tournament after a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful fight against a resurgent Portuguese side.
