Everything You Should Know Ahead of Denmark’s Nations League Return Leg Against Portugal in Lisbon

This evening, Denmark and Portugal will square off in Lisbon for the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final. Flashscore has all the essential details ahead of this eagerly anticipated encounter.

Projected Team Line-ups

Portugal: Diogo Costa; Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Rafael Leão

Denmark: Schmeichel; Dorgu, Vestergaard, Andersen, Kristensen; Nørgaard, Hjulmand, Eriksen; Lindstrom, Biereth, Isaksen

Recent Form:

Portugal (latest game first): LDWDWW

Denmark (latest game first): WDLDLW

Coach Comments:

Roberto Martínez, Portugal’s manager:

“Our display in the first leg left much to be desired, but credit to Denmark, who played exceptionally well. They possess a strong, aggressive style and press effectively. The second match is at home, as we topped our group, so we need to reassess our approach. The stadium is packed, and we relish these matches; they are what we aspire to be part of.”

Brian Riemer, Denmark’s manager:

“There’s only so much you can alter in 72 hours. We’re up against one of the most prominent teams in European football, and I still see them as the favourites. Nevertheless, we have a solid foundation with our one-goal lead, and we have faith in our abilities. Our strategy is in place, and it’s critical that we are mentally prepared when the game begins. We cannot give Portugal the chance to establish their rhythm.”

Tidbits:

Both nations have claimed the European championship once, with Denmark winning in 1992, while Portugal lifted the trophy in 2016.

In the annals of football, Denmark and Portugal have met 16 times. The recent victory for Denmark at Parken marked their fourth win against Portugal; the teams have drawn on two occasions, with Portugal winning 10 times.

The last encounter on Portuguese soil occurred in 2015, in Braga, where Portugal emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline, courtesy of a João Moutinho goal.

The last clash in Lisbon took place back in 2008 at José Alvalade, where Denmark made a stunning comeback from 1-2 down to win 3-2.

After the initial leg at the Park, Denmark boasted an xG of 2.78, the highest of all teams in the first quarter-final of the Nations League, while Portugal recorded an xG of just 0.51.

Portugal achieved their largest victory against Denmark in May 1971, winning 5-0 in Porto. Among the goalscorers was the legendary Eusébio, who netted twice. The Danish side featured a young Morten Olsen and Finn Laudrup.

Nicklas Bendtner leads the all-time scorers in these fixtures, scoring six of his overall 30 national team goals against Portugal. Bendtner faced Portugal seven times, scoring in his first five encounters. In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo has managed only three goals in the eight matches he has played against Denmark to date.

The match will be officiated by Slavko Vinčić. The 45-year-old Slovenian has been a FIFA referee since 2010 and handled the 2022 Europa League final, in which Eintracht Frankfurt, featuring Jesper Lindstrom, triumphed over Rangers FC.