Cristiano Ronaldo was confident in Portugal’s chances of advancing to the Nations League semi-finals, even after an early missed penalty in their match against Denmark on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The Portugal captain saw his spot-kick denied by Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel but watched as his team rallied to a dominant 5-2 victory after extra time in Lisbon. The outcome secured a 5-3 aggregate win, booking Portugal a place in the final four, where they will face Germany in June.
"I felt that even after missing the penalty – [it happens] only to those who try – we would progress in the tie," Ronaldo told reporters post-match. "That's what happened. It was a spectacular night; Portugal played very well; scoring five goals against Denmark is not easy at all. We all deserve congratulations: the players, those who were at the stadium, all the Portuguese. We are all in the same boat and it was very important to progress to the final four."
Ronaldo, the all-time leading goal scorer in men’s international football with 136 goals and the world record holder for most international appearances at 219, redeemed himself for the missed penalty by netting Portugal’s second goal of the game. The veteran forward had been openly critical of his team’s showing in the first leg, suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat in Copenhagen. However, he was quick to rally his teammates for the return fixture.
"There are games like that, there are bad days," Ronaldo, 40, said after the first leg. "I didn’t play at all, the team didn’t play at all, but it’s part of life. I want to leave the [Lisbon’s] Alvalade Stadium with my head held high." On March 23, Portugal indeed finished that match with their heads held high, featuring a remarkable performance that showcased their resilience and attacking prowess. Francisco Trincão scored twice, while Gonçalo Ramos added another in extra time to seal the victory.
As the 2019 Nations League champions, Portugal continues to demonstrate their strength under the guidance of coach Roberto Martinez. The team boasts an impressive record of 20 wins out of 28 matches while only suffering four defeats. However, the semi-finals promise a tougher challenge against Germany, who recently dispatched Italy in style.
The match against Denmark also stirred some controversy, with Denmark's Patrick Dorgu accusing Ronaldo of diving to win a penalty during the quarter-final tie. "It bothers me," Dorgu stated regarding the incident, feeling Ronaldo went to ground very easily, which added to the already intense rivalry between the two teams.
On a personal note, after securing Portugal's place in the semi-finals, Ronaldo enjoyed quality time with his long-time partner, Georgina Rodriguez. On March 24, 2025, he was spotted at a beachside lunch date with Rodriguez, basking in the sun and the aftermath of their hard-fought win. Rodriguez shared a sweet snapshot of the couple on her Instagram story with the caption "My Views," emphasizing the picturesque scenery and their affection.
The couple has recently garnered attention for Rodriguez's comments about a potential marriage proposal in her upcoming Netflix documentary, 'I Am Georgina.' Despite the jests from friends about whether or not Ronaldo will pop the question after nine years together, the couple continues to maintain a strong relationship.
With their next challenge on the horizons, Ronaldo and his teammates are focused on the upcoming encounter against Germany, as they aim for a chance to reclaim the Nations League title. With a blend of experience and youth in their squad, fans are excited to see how Portugal will perform under pressure.
