Cristiano Ronaldo scored but also missed a penalty as Portugal overcame Denmark 5-2 after extra time in a dramatic UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg, progressing 5-3 on aggregate. The victory sets up a semi-final clash with Germany. The match, filled with twists and turns, saw both sides squander opportunities and demonstrate both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerability.
Denmark, holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, were gifted an early penalty when Patrick Dorgu fouled Ronaldo in the box. However, Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel saved Ronaldo’s spot-kick, diving low to his left.
Portugal continued to create the better chances, and their pressure eventually told in the 38th minute. Fulham defender Joachim Andersen inadvertently headed Bruno Fernandes’ corner into his own net, giving the hosts the lead. Ronaldo saw another attempt.
Ronaldo had a goal disallowed for offside against Rafael Leao just before halftime. Denmark equalized on the night shortly after the restart. Rasmus Kristensen headed in at the back post.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo, restored Portugal’s lead in the 72nd minute, finishing from close range after Schmeichel saved Fernandes’ initial shot.
However, Denmark appeared to have forced extra time when Christian Eriksen converted Dorgu’s low cross just four minutes later.
Francisco Trincao then scored the goal that sent the match to extra time, beating Schmeichel with a powerful finish. He scored again, early in the first period. Goncalo Ramos’ shot was parried by the keeper.
Substitute Goncalo Ramos completed the scoring with five minutes remaining, converting Diogo Jota’s square ball from close range.
Silva Celebrated, Portugal Progress
Before kick-off, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva was honored with a commemorative trophy after reaching 100 appearances for Portugal’s senior men’s team.
Roberto Martinez’s side will now face Germany in the semi-finals, after Julian Nagelsmann’s team defeated Italy 5-4 on aggregate in their quarter-final tie.
Denmark, meanwhile, will be relegated to a World Cup qualifying group containing Scotland, Greece, and Belarus. The match highlighted both Portugal’s attacking firepower and their occasional defensive lapses, while Denmark’s resilience was ultimately undone in extra time.
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