Portugal triumphed over Denmark with a score of 5-2 in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final on March 24, 2025, showcasing a fierce performance that not only sent them through to the next round but also highlighted the team's resilience and adaptability.
Bernardo Silva was among the standout players of the match, speaking post-game about the importance of the victory and the team's energy throughout the match. "Winning means being the strongest, and losing means being the worst; we're used to such comments," he stated, reflecting on the intense scrutiny footballers face in the public eye. He added, "Today, we aimed to bring a different energy and intensity, and I believe we did that from the first minute." Silva acknowledged some defensive mistakes that led to Danish goals but noted that, overall, the performance was commendable.
Coming in as a substitute, Goncalo Ramos was an essential part of Portugal's success, scoring twice during extra time and earning praise as the team's biggest contributor. His performance has increased attention from major clubs such as Manchester United and Manchester City, with reports indicating that Barcelona retains a stake in his future transfer fee.
Ramos, who has had a breakout season with 43 appearances, has scored 9 goals and provided 15 assists, which have elevated his market value to approximately €27 million. The 25-year-old's existing contract will run until 2027, featuring a release clause of €80 million. Meanwhile, Barcelona holds the right to repurchase him for €25 million until 2026, creating intrigue around his future.
In the wake of the match, Silva also defended fellow teammate Cristiano Ronaldo against recent criticisms. He stated, "Football is filled with passion, and anyone who has been in the game as long as Cristiano and I has seen that winning changes perspective; when we win, we’re the best, and when we lose, we’re the worst. There’s no middle ground in football, and we are used to it. Most importantly, as Cristiano said during the halftime break, despite our performance, we have lost nothing yet, and the national team showed a great response today.”
Reflecting on team dynamics, Silva expressed full support for their coach, Ruben Amorim, stating, “He is definitely the right person to lead the national team, and we will support him wholeheartedly in our journey ahead.” This shows their unified ambition as they prepare for the semifinals.
Portugal's victory over Denmark is not just about advancing in the tournament; it serves as a morale boost for the squad as they look ahead to further challenges. The team chemistry and individual performances, especially from Ramos and Silva, will be crucial as they aim for a spot in the finals.
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