Portugal player ratings vs Denmark: Ronaldo with a worst performance 2025

In a gripping UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg, Portugal fell 1-0 to Denmark at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium. Despite goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s penalty save and multiple stunning stops, Rasmus Hojlund’s late goal proved decisive. For fans searching for Portugal player ratings vs Denmark, this match showcased a blend of brilliance and disappointment, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s lackluster performance drawing scrutiny. Below, we evaluate each Portugal player’s contribution, dissect key moments, and assess what this result means for Roberto Martinez’s squad ahead of the second leg.

Portugal Player Ratings vs Denmark: Ronaldo Struggles as Hojlund Secures Victory Despite Costa’s Heroics

Match Recap: Denmark Outshine Portugal in Copenhagen

The game kicked off with an early scare for Portugal when Diogo Costa’s clearance ricocheted off Denmark’s Mika Biereth, nearly resulting in a goal. Costa redeemed himself with a swift recovery, a sign of the heroics to come. Portugal’s Pedro Neto responded with a long-range strike that forced Kasper Schmeichel into a diving save, but Denmark soon seized control. A penalty was awarded after Renato Veiga’s handball blocked Christian Eriksen’s volley, only for Costa to deny Eriksen with an outstanding save.

Ronaldo performance vs Denmark, Denmark ramped up the pressure, with Costa thwarting Biereth’s low shot and Diogo Dalot clearing an Eriksen effort off the line. Portugal’s attack faltered, exemplified by Ronaldo’s tame header—the veteran cut a frustrated figure. The second half saw Costa deny Gustav Isaksen, but Hojlund, after missing a sitter, capitalized on a slick team move in the 78th minute. His goal, followed by a cheeky ‘SIUUU’ celebration mimicking Ronaldo, sealed Denmark’s victory.

This 1-0 loss leaves Portugal trailing, but Costa’s performance keeps the tie alive. For those analyzing Portugal player ratings vs Denmark, individual highs and lows defined this clash.

Portugal Player Ratings vs Denmark

Here’s how Portugal’s players performed in their defeat to Denmark, rated out of 10 based on their impact in this Nations League encounter.

Goalkeeper & Defense

Diogo Costa (8/10)
The star of the Portugal player ratings vs Denmark, Costa overcame an early blunder to deliver a masterclass. His penalty save against Eriksen, plus stops against Biereth and Isaksen, showcased his reflexes and composure. Hojlund’s goal was unstoppable, but Costa’s efforts kept Portugal in contention.
Diogo Dalot (5/10)
Dalot was exposed by Denmark’s pace, particularly Isaksen, who exploited his sluggishness. A vital goal-line clearance against Eriksen was his highlight, but defensive lapses marred his night.
Ruben Dias (7/10)
Dias anchored Portugal’s defense with authority, blocking shots from Jesper Lindstrøm and Isaksen. His composure was a bright spot in an otherwise shaky backline.
Renato Veiga (4/10)
Veiga’s clumsy handball gifted Denmark a penalty, and though Costa bailed him out, he looked unsteady throughout. Strong in the air but shaky on the ground, he struggled in the Portugal player ratings vs Denmark.
Nuno Mendes (5/10)
Mendes couldn’t handle Isaksen’s direct runs and offered minimal attacking threat. A disappointing outing for the usually dynamic full-back.

Midfield

Vitinha (6/10)
Vitinha shone in the first half, controlling play with poise in tight spaces. His influence waned after halftime, marked by a booking and a missed chance, reflecting Portugal’s midfield struggles.
Joao Neves (4/10)
Neves was out of his depth, unable to match Denmark’s intensity or track Eriksen’s runs. A far cry from his club form, he underperformed in this key battle.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10)
Fernandes battled hard but couldn’t replicate his Manchester United flair. His effort was evident, yet creativity eluded him against Denmark’s compact defense.

Attack

Pedro Neto (6/10)
Neto sparked early with a fierce shot that tested Schmeichel, but his influence faded as Denmark tightened their grip. A promising start undone by a quiet second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo (4/10)
Ronaldo’s struggles against top teams persisted, with a weak header his only contribution. Isolated and ineffective, he was a passenger in the Portugal player ratings vs Denmark, fueling debate about his role.
Rafael Leao (6/10)
Leao’s pace troubled Victor Kristensen, but his final ball lacked precision. Portugal underutilized his potential, limiting his impact.

Substitutes & Manager

Nelson Semedo (4/10)
Replacing Dalot, Semedo was immediately overwhelmed by Isaksen’s switch to his flank. His defensive woes continued Portugal’s struggles.
Ruben Neves (5/10)
Introduced to bolster midfield, Neves arrived just before Hojlund’s goal and couldn’t shift the momentum. A muted cameo.
Goncalo Inacio (5/10)
Subbing for Veiga, Inacio was slow to adapt, contributing to Hojlund’s late chances. He’ll need to improve for the return leg.
Bernardo Silva (N/A)
On for the final five minutes, Silva had no time to make a mark.
Roberto Martinez (3/10)
Martinez’s tactics were outmaneuvered by Denmark’s intensity, and his substitutions failed to inspire. Sticking with an ineffective Ronaldo drew further criticism.

Pivotal Moments in Portugal vs. Denmark

Costa’s Early Recovery (3rd Minute)
Costa’s clearance hit Biereth, nearly costing Portugal, but his quick reaction prevented disaster.
Neto’s Threat (15th Minute)
Neto’s long-range effort forced Schmeichel into action, Portugal’s closest call in the first half.
Penalty Save (24th Minute)
Veiga’s handball led to a penalty, but Costa’s dive to deny Eriksen kept the score level.
Dalot’s Clearance (36th Minute)
Dalot’s last-ditch block stopped Eriksen’s tap-in, a rare defensive highlight.
Hojlund’s Decider (78th Minute)
Hojlund’s clinical finish, followed by his Ronaldo-esque celebration, clinched Denmark’s win.

These moments shape the narrative of the Portugal player ratings vs Denmark, spotlighting key performances.

Tactical Breakdown: Where Portugal Faltered

Ronaldo performance vs Denmark, Portugal’s 4-3-3 lacked cohesion, with Martinez unable to counter Denmark’s high press. Midfielders Neves and Vitinha were overrun, leaving the defense exposed. Dalot and Mendes struggled against Isaksen’s pace, while Dias stood alone as a reliable defender. Ronaldo’s static play stifled Portugal’s attack, isolating Leao and Neto. Martinez’s late substitutions failed to adjust the game plan, and his faith in Ronaldo backfired as Denmark exploited the gaps.

This tactical misstep is critical when assessing Portugal player ratings vs Denmark, highlighting systemic issues beyond individual errors.

Fan Reactions on Social Media

Ronaldo performance vs Denmark, Portugal fans vented on X, with one stating, “Ronaldo had 3 touches in the box—there’s no debate, he’s not getting the ball.” Another criticized, “0 goals, 0 assists, 0 dribbles, 0 shots on target—Ronaldo’s stat-padding days are over.” These reactions echo the frustration evident in the Portugal player ratings vs Denmark.

Implications for Portugal’s Campaign

This loss puts Portugal on the back foot, but a one-goal deficit is surmountable at home. Key challenges include:

Ronaldo’s Form: His minimal impact questions his starting spot.
Midfield Balance: Neves and Vitinha must step up to regain control.
Defensive Adjustments: Full-back vulnerabilities need addressing.

Costa’s brilliance offers optimism, but Martinez faces a tactical rethink to keep Portugal’s Nations League hopes alive.

Conclusion

The Portugal player ratings vs Denmark paint a picture of a team carried by Diogo Costa’s heroics but let down by tactical flaws and Ronaldo’s ineffectiveness. Hojlund’s goal punished Portugal’s shortcomings, leaving them with a challenge in Lisbon. Martinez must adapt, leveraging home support to overturn this deficit. For now, this defeat underscores the need for evolution in a squad blending youth and experience.

Rasmus Hojlund really hit Cristiano Ronaldo’s “I’m here” and “SIUUU” celebrations after scoring the winner for Denmark vs. Ronaldo’s Portugal 🥶

Man United heritage 😅 pic.twitter.com/tetPiP95hx

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 20, 2025

FAQs

1. Why was Cristiano Ronaldo ineffective against Denmark?
Ronaldo’s lack of service and static positioning limited his involvement, resulting in just one weak header.

2. How did Diogo Costa keep Portugal in the game?
Costa’s penalty save and stops against Biereth and Isaksen were pivotal, earning him top marks in the Portugal player ratings vs Denmark.

3. Can Portugal recover in the second leg?
Yes, a 1-0 deficit is manageable at home, but they’ll need better midfield control and attacking output.

4. What went wrong with Roberto Martinez’s tactics?
Martinez failed to counter Denmark’s press, and his substitutions didn’t shift the game’s flow.

5. How did Rasmus Hojlund influence the result?
Hojlund’s late goal, paired with his Ronaldo-mocking celebration, secured Denmark’s edge.

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