Cristiano Ronaldo was at all times assured in Portugal’s probabilities of advancing to the Nations League semi-finals, even after an early missed penalty of their match in opposition to Denmark on Sunday.
The Portugal captain had his spot-kick denied by Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel however noticed his crew rally to a dominant 5-2 victory after additional time in Lisbon.
Portugal ended up securing a 5-3 combination win and booked their place within the closing 4, the place they may face Germany.
“I felt that even after lacking the penalty – [it happens] solely to those that attempt – we might progress within the tie,” Ronaldo informed reporters.
“That’s what occurred. It was a spectacular evening, Portugal performed very properly; scoring 5 targets in opposition to Denmark shouldn’t be simple in any respect.
“All of us deserve congratulations: the gamers, those that had been on the stadium, all of the Portuguese. We’re all in the identical boat and it was essential to progress to the ultimate 4.”
QUE NOITE, PORTUGAL! 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/EA8M6eHi8o
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 23, 2025
Ronaldo, the all-time main purpose scorer in males’s worldwide soccer with 136 targets, additionally holds the world file for probably the most worldwide appearances at 219.
He shortly redeemed himself for the missed penalty by netting Portugal’s second purpose of the sport.
The veteran ahead had been overtly important of his crew’s displaying within the first leg, the place they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Denmark in Copenhagen. Nonetheless, he was fast to encourage his team-mates to bounce again.
“There are video games like that, there are dangerous days,” Ronaldo, 40, mentioned after that defeat. “I didn’t play in any respect, the crew didn’t play in any respect, nevertheless it’s a part of life. I need to depart the [Lisbon’s] Alvalade Stadium with my head held excessive.”
Portugal definitely did simply that on Sunday, with Francisco Trincao scoring twice and Gonçalo Ramos including one other in additional time to seal the victory.
Because the 2019 Nations League champions, Portugal proceed to indicate their energy beneath coach Roberto Martinez, having received 20 of their 28 matches whereas struggling solely 4 defeats.
However the semi-finals will likely be a a lot more durable check, notably after Germany’s demolition of Italy.
