Portugal vs. Denmark | Nations League | Quarter-Finals | 2nd Leg | Pre Match
Portugal vs. Denmark
Portugal will attempt to recover from a one-goal deficit when they welcome Denmark to Lisbon for the second leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final on Sunday night. The first leg in Denmark on Thursday night proved to be a frustrating affair for Roberto Martinez’s men, who fell 1-0 to a late strike from Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund, who came off the bench to break Portuguese hearts. That defeat marked Portugal’s first loss since their Euro 2024 quarter-final exit at the hands of France, a result that had ended their hopes of adding another major trophy to their collection. Now, with just one victory in their last four matches across all competitions, A Selecao das Quinas find themselves in an unfamiliar position of vulnerability as they face a Danish side buoyed by their recent success. Portugal, champions of the inaugural Nations League in 2018-19 after defeating the Netherlands in the final, are a team accustomed to competing at the highest level, and an elimination at this stage would be a bitter pill to swallow for a squad brimming with talent like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva. The stakes are high in Lisbon, where Portugal must overturn the deficit to keep their semi-final hopes alive and avoid an early exit that would cast further doubt on their consistency under Martinez. With a passionate home crowd behind them, the hosts will look to rediscover their attacking flair and defensive solidity to turn the tie around, knowing that failure could signal a deeper malaise for a team with lofty ambitions heading into the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench to score a late winner in the first leg on Thursday, and the visitors therefore have a lead to protect heading into what is shaping up to be a fascinating return fixture. Denmark’s triumph was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline, as they weathered Portugal’s pressure and capitalized on a rare opportunity late in the game. Hojlund, who had endured a 21-game goal drought for his country before breaking it with a clinical finish against Leicester City in the Premier League the previous weekend, proved his worth once again, slotting home with composure to secure a slender but precious advantage. The match had been a tight affair, with Christian Eriksen missing a golden chance to put Denmark ahead in the first half when his penalty kick was saved, a moment that could have shifted the tie’s complexion even earlier. Portugal, for their part, struggled to find their rhythm, with their usually potent attack misfiring despite the presence of Ronaldo up top. The defeat snapped a three-game winning streak against Denmark in their head-to-head history, a run that had reinforced Portugal’s dominance in this fixture, with 11 victories in 17 previous encounters across all competitions. For Denmark, under head coach Brian Riemer, the win was a much-needed boost after a four-game winless streak that included two losses to Spain and a goalless draw with Serbia to close out their Nations League group stage. Now, with a lead to defend in Lisbon, the Red and Whites will aim to frustrate Portugal once more, relying on their compact defensive structure and Hojlund’s growing confidence to secure a historic semi-final berth in their first-ever attempt to win the Nations League.
Portugal struggled to get going against Denmark on Thursday, with Christian Eriksen missing a first-half penalty for the Danes before Hojlund came off the bench to score the only goal of the contest. The match in Denmark was a tale of missed opportunities and defensive lapses for Martinez’s side, who failed to convert their possession into meaningful chances. Eriksen’s penalty miss in the first half—saved by Portugal’s goalkeeper—kept the game level at the break, but it also hinted at Denmark’s intent to punish their more illustrious opponents. Portugal’s attack, spearheaded by Ronaldo, lacked its usual sharpness, with the 39-year-old icon unable to add to his record-breaking international goal tally despite his unwavering determination. When Hojlund entered the fray in the second half, his impact was immediate and decisive, latching onto a well-timed move to fire past the Portuguese defense and send the home crowd into raptures. For Portugal, the loss was a stark reminder of their struggles since Euro 2024, where they bowed out on penalties to France after a promising run to the quarter-finals. That defeat, coupled with their inconsistent form in the Nations League—winning just one of their last four games—has raised questions about Martinez’s ability to maximize a squad that boasts some of the world’s finest talents. The 2018-19 Nations League triumph remains a high point for this generation, but an exit to Denmark at this stage would be a significant setback, especially given their pedigree and the expectation to challenge for honors at the 2026 World Cup, where they’ve only reached beyond the last 16 once since 2006 (quarter-finals in 2022). Sunday’s clash in Lisbon is thus a must-win, with Martinez under pressure to deliver a response that restores faith in his project.
The victory was Denmark's first since last September, having gone four games without a win, losing twice to Spain in the process, while they had ended their Nations League group-stage campaign with a 0-0 draw against Serbia. For Brian Riemer’s side, the triumph over Portugal was a statement of intent, ending a barren run that had threatened to derail their momentum after a solid showing at Euro 2024, where they reached the last 16 before falling 2-0 to hosts Germany. The Nations League quarter-finals represent uncharted territory for Denmark, who have never won the competition and are now tantalizingly close to a semi-final berth that would mark a historic achievement. Hojlund’s late heroics in the first leg underscored the team’s depth and ability to seize critical moments, while their defensive resilience kept Portugal at bay for much of the contest. Eriksen’s missed penalty could have made the scoreline more comfortable, but the fact that Denmark still emerged victorious speaks to their growing maturity under Riemer. The Red and Whites will travel to Lisbon with confidence, knowing they’ve already toppled a footballing giant once in this tie. Their historical record against Portugal may be lopsided—11 losses in 17 meetings—but Thursday’s result has flipped the script, giving them a psychological edge as they aim to protect their lead. A semi-final spot would not only cap a resurgent 2024 but also bolster their preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they’ll look to build on their recent competitive showings.
Portugal head coach Martinez is not expected to panic when it comes to his team, so it is entirely possible that he will select the same XI from the first leg, including a spot through the middle for Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite the lackluster performance in Denmark, Martinez’s faith in his core players remains unshaken, and Ronaldo—still the greatest goalscorer in international football history—will almost certainly lead the line again, even after failing to make an impact in the first leg. Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester United playmaker, is another guaranteed starter in the No. 10 role, tasked with unlocking Denmark’s stubborn defense. While Bernardo Silva offers creativity, Martinez may stick with Pedro Neto’s pace on the wing to stretch the opposition, complementing the midfield duo of Vitinha and Joao Neves, whose energy and quality have been vital for Paris Saint-Germain this season. For Denmark, Hojlund’s match-winning cameo has likely earned him a starting spot up top, replacing Mika Biereth, while Riemer is expected to keep faith in his defensive unit, with Patrick Dorgu—Hojlund’s United teammate—remaining a substitute. Eriksen will continue in the No. 10 role, supported by Morten Hjulmand and Christian Norgaard in midfield. With Portugal needing at least one goal to force extra time and two to win outright, the stage is set for a tense and thrilling encounter in Lisbon, where the hosts’ attacking firepower will be tested against Denmark’s newfound resolve.
