![Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty but later scored Portugal's second goal against Denmark[Pedro Nunes/Reuters]](https://jambobet.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ro.webp "ro")
Francisco Trincao scored twice to help Portugal to a frenzied 5-2 win over Denmark in the second leg of the Nations League quarter-finals.
Portugal secured their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after a thrilling 5-2 victory over Denmark in Lisbon, winning 5-3 on aggregate. The match, filled with drama, twists, and spectacular goals, saw Portugal overcome a determined Danish side in extra time to book their spot in the final four for the first time since winning the tournament in 2019.
Ronaldo Misses Early Penalty as Portugal Dominate First Half
Right from the start, Portugal showed their attacking intent, putting Denmark under pressure. The hosts were handed a golden opportunity just minutes into the game when Cristiano Ronaldo was brought down in the box by Patrick Dorgu. The referee pointed to the spot, but the Portuguese captain failed to convert as his weak penalty was comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel.
Portugal continued to press forward, and Ronaldo had another big chance when he connected with a cross from Nuno Mendes, but Schmeichel once again came to Denmark’s rescue with a brilliant save. The visitors had a rare chance to score through Rasmus Højlund, who fired a shot from just inside the box, but Diogo Costa made a routine save to keep the game level.
RONALDO’S PENALTY MISS pic.twitter.com/gKVQgbjPbt https://t.co/Ib48vBha3k
— MessiMania (@M10Update) March 23, 2025
Despite Denmark’s defensive resistance, Portugal found the breakthrough before halftime. A corner from Bruno Fernandes caused problems in the Danish box, leading to an own goal from Joachim Andersen, who accidentally headed the ball into his own net while trying to clear it.
Ronaldo thought he had doubled Portugal’s lead just before the break when he finished a diving header from Bernardo Silva’s cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The first half ended with Portugal in control, but Denmark still very much in the game.
Denmark Fight Back, Ronaldo Responds
Denmark came out stronger in the second half, looking for a way back into the tie. Morten Hjulmand went close with a shot from distance, narrowly missing the target. The equalizer soon followed, mirroring Portugal’s first goal. Christian Eriksen delivered a pinpoint corner to the back post, where Rasmus Kristensen rose unmarked to head the ball into the bottom corner, making it 1-1 on the night and leveling the aggregate score.
Portugal wasted no time in responding. Bruno Fernandes came inches away from scoring as his powerful strike hit the post and rebounded off the diving Schmeichel. The ball fell kindly for Ronaldo, who made no mistake this time, tapping it into the net to restore Portugal’s lead.
However, the game took another dramatic turn as Denmark struck again. A brilliant attacking move saw Dorgu deliver a perfect cross to Eriksen, who slotted the ball into an empty net to put Denmark ahead on aggregate once more.
Portugal refused to give up and pushed for another goal. Ronaldo nearly found the net again, but his shot from a promising position was straight at Schmeichel. With time running out, Portugal turned to their substitutes for inspiration.
Trincao Forces Extra Time with Late Strike
The hosts kept attacking, and substitute Francisco Trincao proved to be the difference. With just minutes left, the winger fired a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the home crowd into celebration as the game was forced into extra time with the aggregate score at 3-3.
Portugal carried their momentum into extra time and struck almost immediately. Just a minute after the restart, Trincao scored his second goal of the night, capitalizing on a rebound after Schmeichel had parried away a shot from Gonçalo Ramos. The goal gave Portugal the lead in the tie for the first time, and Denmark suddenly found themselves on the back foot.
81’—subs on
86’—levels it 3-3 on agg.
91’—gives Portugal 4-3 agg. leadTrincão making an impact pic.twitter.com/Y3qD0Zg5oJ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 23, 2025
Diogo Jota thought he had put the game beyond reach when he rounded Schmeichel and slotted the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
Ramos Seals Portugal’s Victory
Denmark struggled to create clear-cut chances in extra time, and Portugal took full control of the game. Bruno Fernandes nearly extended the lead when he broke free on the counter, but Schmeichel produced a stunning save to deny him.
Portugal finally put the game to bed when Jota unselfishly squared the ball to Ramos, who tapped it into an empty net to make it 5-2 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate. The goal sealed Portugal’s passage into the Nations League semi-finals, where they will face Germany in what promises to be an exciting clash.
The final four ✅#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/tY2HfTTxBy
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) March 23, 2025
Portugal’s Nations League Journey Continues
The result marked Portugal’s 12th home win in the Nations League and their 12th head-to-head victory over Denmark. After an intense and dramatic encounter, Portugal will now prepare to take on tournament hosts Germany in the semi-finals as they continue their quest for another Nations League title.
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