Portugal Advances to Nations League Semis After Thrilling 5-3 Aggregate Win Over Denmark
Portugal secured their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals with a dramatic 5-2 extra-time victory over Denmark on Sunday, sealing a 5-3 aggregate win. Super-sub Francisco Trincão scored twice, while Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role before being substituted ahead of extra time.
Denmark had entered the second leg with a 1-0 lead from Rasmus Højlund’s goal in Copenhagen, but Portugal responded emphatically. Despite missing an early penalty, Ronaldo helped turn the tide, contributing to Portugal’s resurgence before watching the final minutes from the bench, passionately urging on his teammates.
Portugal Advances: A Night of Twists and Turns
Portugal’s breakthrough came in the third minute when Danish defender Patrick Dorgu fouled Ronaldo in the box. However, Kasper Schmeichel denied the Portuguese captain from the spot with a brilliant save, adding to Denmark’s defensive resilience.
Ronaldo came close again in the 17th minute, meeting a Nuno Mendes cross with a header, only for Schmeichel to produce another crucial stop. Portugal eventually broke through in the 38th minute when Joachim Andersen inadvertently headed a corner into his own net, leveling the tie on aggregate.
Denmark quickly responded after the break, with Rasmus Kristensen nodding in from a corner in the 56th minute. Ronaldo restored Portugal’s lead with a precise finish from a tight angle, but Christian Eriksen’s clinical strike in the 76th minute put Denmark back ahead on aggregate.
Trincão’s Heroics Seal Victory
As time ticked away, Francisco Trincão came off the bench to rescue Portugal. The talented winger struck in the 86th minute to force extra time before adding a sublime second just minutes later, putting Portugal in control.
Denmark fought valiantly but ran out of steam, and substitute Gonçalo Ramos sealed the win with Portugal’s fifth goal in the dying minutes.
With the victory, Portugal advances to the semi-finals, where they will face Germany, who edged past Italy 5-4 on aggregate.
