In a dramatic turnaround, Portugal defeated Denmark 5-2 in extra time on March 23, 2025, securing a place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate victory. This result came after a strong performance from Francisco Trincao, who scored two crucial goals to propel his team past a resilient Danish side.
The match was particularly significant for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had faced heavy criticism after a lackluster showing in the first leg that ended in a 1-0 defeat for Portugal. Many questioned whether the 40-year-old veteran still had a place in the team as he struggled in front of goal. His performance in the second leg started on an unfortunate note when he missed a penalty in the 3rd minute, saved by Denmark's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. However, his contribution didn’t go unnoticed as he provided an assist for an own goal by Danish defender Joachim Andersen, leveling the score on the night.
Initially trailing 1-0 on aggregate due to Rasmus Hojlund’s goal in the first leg, Portugal needed a strong response. The atmosphere at Estadio José Alvalade in Lisbon crackled with expectancy as fans hoped their team would overturn the deficit. Ronaldo's early penalty miss cast a shadow over what had been a promising start. Nonetheless, the home team quickly regrouped as they entered the game’s first half.
In the 38th minute, the game turned dramatically when Andersen inadvertently headed a corner from Bruno Fernandes into his own net, giving Portugal a much-needed 1-0 lead on the night, leveling the aggregate at 1-1. But Denmark was not done yet; Rasmus Kristensen equalized for the Danes with a looping header in the 56th minute, restoring their aggregate advantage.
Just when it seemed Denmark held the momentum, Ronaldo exhibited his famed resilience by scoring from a tight angle, putting Portugal ahead 2-1 in the 76th minute. Alas, Denmark responded promptly, with Christian Eriksen netting another goal shortly after, putting Denmark back in the aggregate lead at 3-2.
Then arrived the moment that would change everything for Portugal. Francisco Trincao, who had come off the bench, scored in the 86th minute, tying the game 3-3 on aggregate and forcing extra time. Just five minutes later, Trincao scored again in the 91st minute, putting Portugal ahead 4-3 on aggregate and breathing life back into the contest.
As Denmark began to falter, Ronaldo took a more supportive role from the bench, encouraging his teammates during extra time. Goncalo Ramos added a fifth goal for Portugal in the 115th minute, capping off a thrilling 5-3 aggregate victory and advancing them to the Nations League semi-finals.
Roberto Martinez, the Portuguese head coach, had staunchly defended Ronaldo during the pre-match press conference, insisting that the criticism aimed at the footballing legend was unwarranted. He argued that Ronaldo's fluctuating form should not be judged solely on one game alone. “If Cristiano Ronaldo scores, he is the most important player in the team. When he does not score, it is because of his age. It is not a fair assessment,” Martinez commented.
The spotlight now shifts to Portugal’s upcoming semi-final clash with Germany, set for June. If the previous match performance is any indication, Portugal still carries the potential to deliver thrilling football, with Ronaldo looking to play a significant role despite the mounting scrutiny regarding his age and performance.
The emotional rollercoaster of this match demonstrated the unpredictability of football. As Portugal prepares for the semi-finals, the team and its supporters hope that they can build on this momentum and perhaps secure another title in the Nations League.
