Portugal Edge Denmark In Dramatic Comeback Win In Nations League Quarterfinal
After trailing 0-1 following a rather insipid first-leg performance in Copenhagen, the Portuguese roar back to life with a comprehensive 5-2 drubbing.
With 18 shots, of which 11 were on target, they were the far better team on the day. They easily could have had a few more if it wasn’t for Schmeichel’s doggedness between the sticks.
Despite fluffing an early penalty, Ronaldo got onto the scoresheet nonetheless, adding the proverbial cherry on top for the home fans.
The quarter-final had ended 3-3 on aggregate after 90 minutes, but Francisco Trincao put the home side ahead seconds into the extra period after Kasper Schmeichel had saved Goncalo Ramos’ shot.
In the dramatic contest, Patrick Dorgu gifted Portugal an early penalty after bringing down Ronaldo inside the area, but Schmeichel got down low to his left to keep out the Portugal captain’s effort.
On an eventful night for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo’s close-range 72nd-minute finish made it 2-1 after Schmeichel had saved Fernandes’ initial effort.
But Denmark appeared to be heading through in normal time when Christian Eriksen converted Dorgu’s low cross just four minutes later.
However, Trincao beat Schmeichel with a powerful finish from the edge of the box with four minutes of the 90 remaining, before netting his second of the game early in the first half of extra time.
Ramos netted a fifth for Portugal after converting Diogo Jota’s square ball from close range.
