Portugal battled their way into the UEFA Nations League semi-finals with a dramatic 5-2 extra-time victory over Denmark in Lisbon, overturning a first-leg deficit to win 5-3 on aggregate.
The night began with early drama as Cristiano Ronaldo won a penalty after being fouled by Patrick Dorgu, but Kasper Schmeichel denied the Portuguese captain with a comfortable save.
Ronaldo had another golden opportunity minutes later, but his close-range header was also stopped by the Danish goalkeeper.
Denmark’s Rasmus Højlund, the match-winner in the first leg, tested Diogo Costa, but the Portuguese shot-stopper was equal to the effort.
Portugal’s dominance paid off just before halftime when Bruno Fernandes’ corner forced an own goal from Joachim Andersen. Ronaldo thought he had doubled the lead moments later with a diving header, but it was ruled out for offside, adding to his frustration.
Denmark responded well after the break, finding an equalizer through Rasmus Kristensen’s well-placed header from a Christian Eriksen corner. Portugal soon regained the advantage when Fernandes’ shot hit the post and rebounded off Schmeichel, allowing Ronaldo to tap in.
However, Denmark hit back quickly as Dorgu set up Eriksen for a simple finish, leveling the tie once more.
With time running out, Francisco Trincão struck late to send the match into extra time. The substitute proved decisive, scoring again just a minute into the additional period after Schmeichel parried Gonçalo Ramos’ shot into his path.
Portugal nearly sealed the win when Diogo Jota rounded the goalkeeper and scored, but VAR ruled him offside. Schmeichel produced a brilliant save to deny Fernandes, but he was helpless when Ramos tapped in a fifth goal after an assist from Jota, securing Portugal’s passage to the semi-finals, where they will face Germany.
