Portugal Secures Spot in Nations League Final Four Following Thrilling Seven-Goal Clash with Denmark

Portugal required extra time to secure their passage to the UEFA Nations League (UNL) finals, marking their return since clinching the title in 2019. They triumphed over Denmark with a 5-2 victory in Lisbon, concluding the tie with a 5-3 aggregate score.

The match began with a storyline reflecting Manchester United’s legacy, as Cristiano Ronaldo was brought down by Patrick Dorgu in the penalty area, resulting in a spot-kick for the veteran forward. Unfortunately for Ronaldo, his penalty lacked power and was easily saved by Kasper Schmeichel.

Shortly after, Ronaldo had another opportunity as Nuno Mendes found him at the back post; however, Schmeichel once again stood firm, saved his close-range header. Denmark’s Rasmus Højlund, who netted the winner in the first leg, posed the best threat for the visitors in the first half, but his shot from just inside the box was comfortably caught by Diogo Costa.

Portugal controlled much of the first half and soon found the breakthrough when Bruno Fernandes delivered a dangerous corner, which Joachim Andersen inadvertently headed into his own net.

Just before halftime, Ronaldo thought he had doubled the lead with a diving header from Bernardo Silva’s cross, but his effort was ruled offside, marking a frustrating half for the Portuguese captain.

Denmark improved after the break, with Morten Hjulmand narrowly missing the target. They eventually found their equaliser from a corner, similar to Portugal’s earlier goal. Christian Eriksen delivered a well-placed ball to the back post, where Rasmus Kristensen, unmarked, directed a header into the far bottom corner.

However, Portugal responded quickly, as Fernandes’ effort struck the post and rebounded perfectly for Ronaldo to slot the ball home, reinstating their lead.

Yet again, the match took another turn as Denmark scored shortly after. Dorgu set up Eriksen, who slotted the ball into an empty net, swinging the momentum back towards the visitors.

Ronaldo had a chance to respond instantly, but his shot was straight at Schmeichel from a promising position. Nevertheless, Portugal managed to find an equaliser through substitute Francisco Trincao, who coolly finished into the bottom corner, sending the match into extra time.

Portugal started the extra period brightly, with Trincao scoring his second just minutes in, after Schmeichel parried Goncalo Ramos’ effort.

A potential decisive moment occurred when Diogo Jota eluded the defence to round Schmeichel and find the net, but the goal was ruled offside.

Schmeichel made a miraculous save to deny Fernandes a breakaway goal, yet he could do nothing to prevent Ramos from scoring Portugal’s fifth after Jota laid it off for him.

This victory marks Portugal’s twelfth home win in the UNL and extends their successful head-to-head record against Denmark, as they now move on to face Germany in the semi-finals.