On March 23, 2025, Portugal advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League after a thrilling 5-2 victory against Denmark at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. The match marked a dramatic turnaround for the Portuguese team, who had previously lost the first leg 1-0 in Copenhagen.
The game started with immense pressure on Portugal, especially for their captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed an early penalty just five minutes in. After being awarded the penalty following a VAR review for a foul by Denmark’s Vestergaard, Ronaldo stepped up to take the shot, but his attempt was easily saved by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. This miss brought Ronaldo’s tally of penalties missed for the national team to nine out of thirty attempts, a concerning statistic for a player of his caliber.
Cristiano Ronaldo's early mistake could have set a negative tone for the team, but instead, it fueled their determination. Following the penalty debacle, it was Danish defender Joachim Andersen who inadvertently turned the tide in favor of Portugal, scoring an own goal in the 38th minute. This mishap tied the aggregate score at 1-1, giving Portugal a much-needed emotional boost as they headed into halftime.
The second half saw a more aggressive approach from both teams. Denmark struck first with a goal from Rasmus Kristensen in the 56th minute, which temporarily silenced the home crowd. Yet, just minutes later, Ronaldo found redemption by scoring Portugal’s second goal in the 72nd minute after a shot from Bruno Fernandes hit the post. This goal, Ronaldo's 929th in his career, was crucial as it re-established Portugal’s lead in the match, turning the aggregate score to 2-2.
However, Denmark was not about to back down, equalizing again through Christian Eriksen in the 76th minute, intensifying the drama. But the turning point came when Francisco Trincão, who had joined the attack with fervor, scored not once but twice in the final minutes. His first goal in the 86th minute put Portugal ahead 3-2, and just moments into extra time, he found the net again, raising the score to 4-2.
The Portuguese jubilation was capped off with a fifth goal from Gonçalo Ramos in the 115th minute, sealing the match with a resounding 5-2 victory, and an aggregate score of 5-3. This result not only knocked out Denmark but also propelled Portugal into the upcoming semi-finals where they will face Germany, who defeated Italy in their own quarter-final.
Before the match, Ronaldo was honored with a Guinness World Record for achieving the most international victories in football history, totaling 132 wins. He also marked another record by scoring for Portugal over 22 consecutive years, a benchmark that highlights his longevity and consistency on the international stage.
Despite the celebrations, the match ended on a somber note for Ronaldo as he was substituted in the dying moments of regular time due to injury, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the semi-final clash. Although he remains a pivotal figure for Portugal, Coach Roberto Martínez insisted that the team’s success should not solely rest on Ronaldo’s shoulders, stating, “It’s not fair analysis. We are working to use this match against Denmark for our performance.”
The team’s transition to the semi-finals serves as a relief for Martínez, who faced criticism in recent days for the team's lackluster performance in the first leg against Denmark. With the victory, Portugal showcases resilience, proving they can compete at the highest level even when faced with adversity. As the team's focus shifts toward Germany, they will look to build on this momentum and secure their place in the Nations League final.
