Portugal vs Denmark Player Ratings : Ronaldo’s Penalty Miss Overshadowed by Trincao’s Heroics in Thrilling Win 2025

Portugal vs Denmark Player Ratings , In a dramatic UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg at Estadio Jose Alvalade, Portugal overcame Denmark 5-2 in extra time to secure a 5-3 aggregate victory. Cristiano Ronaldo’s early penalty miss and Francisco Trincao’s two-goal heroics off the bench defined a night of high drama. For fans seeking Portugal vs Denmark Player Ratings , this match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both individual brilliance and collective resilience. Below, we break down each Portugal player’s performance, recap the key moments, and explore what this win means for Roberto Martinez’s side.

Portugal vs Denmark Player Ratings : Trincao Saves the Day After Ronaldo’s Penalty Blunder

Portugal seemed poised for an early lead when Patrick Dorgu fouled Ronaldo in the box, earning a penalty. However, Ronaldo’s stuttering, telegraphed spot-kick was comfortably saved by Denmark’s veteran goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel. The 40-year-old stopper, who had struggled in the 1-0 first-leg defeat, denied Ronaldo again with a close-range header. At the other end, Rasmus Hojlund tested Diogo Costa, while Vitinha’s long-range effort sailed just over.

Relief came for Portugal seven minutes before halftime when Joachim Andersen’s comical own goal—heading in Bruno Fernandes’ corner—gave them the lead. Fernandes thought he had doubled the advantage with a header, only for it to be ruled offside. Denmark capitalized on Portugal’s complacency, with Morten Hjulmand’s shot narrowly missing. The visitors’ strong second-half start paid off when Rasmus Kristensen’s looping header leveled the score in the 56th minute.

Ronaldo redeemed himself in the 72nd minute, turning in Fernandes’ rebound after his long-range shot hit the post. But Denmark struck back quickly, with Christian Eriksen tapping in after Dorgu exploited Ruben Dias’ sloppy backpass. Enter Francisco Trincao: the super-sub’s fierce drive in the 86th minute restored Portugal’s lead. Denmark nearly snatched a late winner, but the ball trickled wide. In extra time, Trincao struck again, finishing coolly after Goncalo Ramos’ shot was saved. Ramos sealed the 5-2 win, slotting in Diogo Jota’s cutback, as Portugal booked a semi-final clash with Germany.

For those analyzing Portugal vs Denmark Player Ratings , Trincao’s impact and Ronaldo’s redemption were the standout narratives.

Portugal vs Denmark Player Ratings : Who Stood Out?

Here’s how Portugal’s players rated in their dramatic extra-time victory over Denmark, based on their contributions in this Nations League thriller.

Goalkeeper & Defense

• Diogo Costa (6/10)
  Costa made solid saves, including a crucial stop from Hojlund, but was powerless to prevent Denmark’s two goals. A steady performance in the Portugal player ratings vs Denmark, though not without its tense moments.
• Diogo Dalot (7/10)
  Dalot was competent at right-back, balancing defensive duties with occasional forward runs. His reliability was a quiet strength on a chaotic night.
• Ruben Dias (6/10)
  Dias had a solid 75 minutes, marshaling the defense effectively. However, his lapse in concentration—a sloppy backpass—led to Denmark’s equalizer, tarnishing an otherwise strong display.
• Goncalo Inacio (7/10)
  Inacio was more dependable than Dias, winning aerial duels and positioning himself well. His consistency was vital as Portugal weathered Denmark’s attacks.
• Nuno Mendes (8/10)
  Mendes was exceptional, delivering pinpoint crosses—one of which led to the penalty—and defending resolutely. A standout in the Portugal player ratings vs Denmark.

Midfield

• Bruno Fernandes (8/10)
  Fernandes was instrumental, providing the assist for Andersen’s own goal and forcing the save that led to Ronaldo’s strike. His defensive work and creative spark make him a top performer in these Portugal player ratings vs Denmark.
• Vitinha (6/10)
  Vitinha was industrious but lacked the control needed in midfield. His long-range shot was ambitious, yet he struggled to impose himself fully.
• Bernardo Silva (5/10)
  Silva had an unusually quiet game, failing to influence play as Portugal needed. His creativity was missed in key moments.

Attack

• Francisco Conceicao (7/10)
  Conceicao’s direct dribbling troubled Denmark, though his final ball lacked precision. A promising display, but he’ll need to sharpen his end product.
• Cristiano Ronaldo (6/10)
  Ronaldo’s night was a tale of redemption. His penalty miss—a stuttering, telegraphed effort—was a rare lapse. He persisted, heading a close-range chance that Schmeichel saved, before turning in Fernandes’ rebound from a tight angle. While not his finest performance, his goal was crucial in the Portugal vs Denmark Player Ratings .
• Rafael Leao (4/10)
  Leao endured a frustrating night, his mazy runs leading nowhere. Unable to beat Kristensen, he was substituted after 60 minutes, summing up his struggles.

Substitutes & Manager

• Diogo Jota (7/10)
  Jota grew into the game, providing an assist for Ramos’ goal in extra time. His movement and energy were key as Portugal pushed for the win.
• Nelson Semedo (6/10)
  Semedo added attacking impetus when introduced, offering more threat down the right than Dalot.
• Francisco Trincao (9/10)
  The hero of the night, Trincao’s two goals—one in regular time, one in extra time—were clinical. His movement off the ball created space, earning him the top mark in the Portugal vs Denmark Player Ratings .
• Goncalo Ramos (7/10)
  Ramos was physical and effective, scoring the fifth goal after replacing Ronaldo. His presence unsettled Denmark’s tiring defense.
• Ruben Neves (6/10)
  Neves provided midfield stability in the closing stages, helping Portugal see out the win.
• Roberto Martinez (7/10)
  Martinez’s substitutions—particularly Trincao—saved the day, though questions linger about Ronaldo’s penalty duties and starting role in big games. His team’s fighting spirit, however, was undeniable.

“I hope tomorrow, he’s the one to see me celebrate”

Cristiano Ronaldo walking the talk even in his 40s, the Greatest Ever For A Reasonpic.twitter.com/pyIFOK2dwW https://t.co/bn3n4TlMbA

— Preeti (@MadridPreeti) March 23, 2025

Key Moments That Defined the Match

1. Ronaldo’s Penalty Miss (5th Minute)
   Ronaldo’s stuttering run-up fooled no one, and Schmeichel’s save set the tone for a nervy Portugal start.
2. Andersen’s Own Goal (38th Minute)
   Fernandes’ corner led to Andersen’s inadvertent header, gifting Portugal the lead in comical fashion.
3. Kristensen’s Equalizer (56th Minute)
   Denmark’s persistence paid off as Kristensen’s looping header leveled the score.
4. Ronaldo’s Redemption (72nd Minute)
   After Fernandes’ shot hit the post, Ronaldo pounced to restore Portugal’s lead from close range.
5. Eriksen’s Tap-In (76th Minute)
   Dias’ error allowed Dorgu to set up Eriksen, leveling the tie once more.
6. Trincao’s Double (86th & 91st Minutes)
   Trincao’s fierce strike and cool finish in extra time turned the game on its head.
7. Ramos Seals It (105th Minute)
   Jota’s cutback found Ramos, who slotted home to confirm Portugal’s victory.

These moments are pivotal when evaluating Portugal player ratings vs Denmark, highlighting individual errors and brilliance.

Tactical Analysis: How Portugal Overcame Denmark

Martinez deployed a 4-3-3, with Fernandes as the creative fulcrum and Ronaldo leading the line. Denmark’s high press disrupted Portugal’s rhythm, exposing Silva’s quiet game and Vitinha’s struggles. Mendes’ overlapping runs provided width, while Dalot and Inacio held the defensive line.

Trincao’s introduction shifted the dynamic, his pace and directness stretching Denmark’s backline. Ramos’ physicality up front complemented Jota’s movement, allowing Portugal to exploit tired legs in extra time. Martinez’s subs proved decisive, though his reliance on Ronaldo’s penalty-taking remains a point of debate.

Fan Reactions on Social Media

Portugal fans on X were vocal. One user wrote, “Trincao saving Ronaldo’s blushes with those two goals—his movement was unreal.” Another praised the team’s depth: “Ronaldo missed, but Trincao stepped up. That’s why we’re through.” Criticism of Ronaldo lingered, with one fan noting, “Penalty was awful, but he redeemed himself with the goal.” These sentiments reflect the mixed emotions in the Portugal player ratings vs Denmark.

What This Win Means for Portugal

Securing a 5-3 aggregate victory, Portugal advances to the Nations League semi-finals, where they’ll face Germany. This match highlighted their resilience and squad depth, with Trincao emerging as a clutch performer. Questions remain about Ronaldo’s role in high-stakes games, but his redemption goal silenced some critics. Martinez must fine-tune his tactics, but this win underscores Portugal’s ability to grind out results—a promising sign for their Nations League ambitions.

Conclusion

The Portugal vs Denmark Player Ratings  reflect a night of redemption, resilience, and individual brilliance. Francisco Trincao’s two goals off the bench stole the show, bailing out Cristiano Ronaldo after his penalty miss. Bruno Fernandes’ creativity and Nuno Mendes’ dynamism were crucial, while Roberto Martinez’s substitutions turned the tide. Ronaldo penalty miss vs Denmark, This 5-2 extra-time victory, securing a 5-3 aggregate win, sets up a tantalizing semi-final against Germany. For Portugal, this match was a testament to their depth and fighting spirit—a blend that could carry them to Nations League glory.

Cristiano Ronaldo received a standing ovation tonight.

pic.twitter.com/mholMxDBXl

— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) March 23, 2025

FAQs: Ronaldo penalty miss vs Denmark

1. Why did Cristiano Ronaldo miss the penalty against Denmark?
Ronaldo’s penalty was poorly executed, with a stuttering run-up that telegraphed his intentions. Schmeichel read it easily, making a comfortable save.

2. How did Francisco Trincao change the game for Portugal?
Trincao’s pace, directness, and clinical finishing were decisive. His two goals—one in regular time, one in extra time—turned the match, while his movement created space for teammates.

3. What was the final score and aggregate result?
Portugal won 5-2 in extra time, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory over Denmark to reach the Nations League semi-finals.

4. Who else scored for Portugal?
Alongside Trincao’s brace, Ronaldo and Ramos scored, with Andersen’s own goal rounding out Portugal’s tally.

5. What’s next for Portugal in the Nations League?
Portugal will face Germany in the semi-finals, aiming to reach the final and lift the trophy.