Portugal conquers Denmark in thriller to reach Nations League Semi-Finals

Portugal has secured a spot in the Nations League semi-finals with a thrilling 5-3 aggregate victory over Denmark on Sunday, winning the second leg 5-2 after extra time. 

Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty but later redeemed himself by scoring a crucial goal, while Francisco Trincao's late brace helped Roberto Martinez's men seal their place in the semis. Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel denied Ronaldo's stuttering run-up by diving left to comfortably save the spot-kick in the sixth minute.

Despite Denmark twice regaining the aggregate lead, Portugal pushed the tie to extra time at 3-2 on the night.

Portugal first levelled on aggregate when Joachim Andersen's attempted clearance went horribly wrong, looping into his own net in the 38th minute. However, Denmark restored their advantage when Rasmus Kristensen, unmarked at a corner, guided a precise header into the net in the 56th minute.

Ronaldo made amends for his penalty miss by capitalizing on a rebound to score with 18 minutes left, only for Christian Eriksen to silence the home crowd with a tap-in just four minutes later.

Playing at his home ground in Sporting Lisbon, substitute Francisco Trincao forced extra time with a late left-footed strike. Just after the restart, he found the net again with a precise shot through a crowded box, putting Portugal ahead for the first time in the tie.

Trincao then played a key role in the build-up for Goncalo Ramos's late goal, sealing a pulsating encounter.

Denmark, who arrived with a first-leg advantage, put up a valiant fight but ultimately succumbed to Portugal's relentless attacking display. Their stoic resistance and Portugal's determination made for a gripping contest that swung back and forth multiple times.

Winners of the inaugural tournament in 2019, Portugal are now aiming to become the first team to claim the Nations League trophy twice.

Portugal will now face hosts Germany in June after overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit against a resilient Danish side.