Portugal will face Denmark in the quarter-finals of the Nations League, an opponent that brings back good memories.
Portugal is set to take on Denmark in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League, reigniting a rivalry that has brought memorable moments for the Portuguese team in past competitions.
This fixture evokes nostalgia, as Denmark was one of the hurdles Portugal overcame during their path to Euro 2016 glory. The clash will not only revive historic battles but also set the stage for a high-stakes encounter in a competition that has grown in prestige.
The last time Portugal faced Denmark was during the qualification campaign for the 2016 European Championship in France. Those encounters marked a turning point for Portugal, with both games ending in narrow yet decisive 1-0 victories. The first match, held in Copenhagen in October 2014, saw Fernando Santos take charge of his first official game as Portugal’s head coach. His tenure began with a dramatic finale as Cristiano Ronaldo secured the win with a header in the 95th minute, just when a goalless draw seemed inevitable. A year later, in Braga, João Moutinho delivered the decisive goal that punched Portugal’s ticket to the Euros a tournament etched in Portuguese football history as the nation’s first major international triumph.
Historically, Portugal has enjoyed success against Denmark, particularly in official matches. Out of twelve competitive encounters, Portugal has won eight, drawn two, and lost only two. These include notable clashes in the European Championships: a 1-1 draw during the group stage in England in 1996 and a thrilling 3-2 victory in Lviv, Ukraine, during the Euro 2012 group stage. These results highlight Portugal’s ability to rise to the occasion against the Danes in critical moments.
In the current Nations League campaign, Portugal arrives at the quarter-finals with confidence, having dominated Group A1. The Seleção went unbeaten with four wins and two draws, finishing ahead of Croatia. Denmark’s journey, however, was far more challenging. In Group A4, they had to battle until the final round to secure second place, narrowly edging Serbia with a goalless draw in Belgrade. Spain led the group convincingly, but Denmark’s performances against the reigning European champions showed their resilience. Despite losing both matches by a single goal, the Danes made life difficult for their formidable opponents.
Denmark’s challenge against Portugal will be guided by their new head coach, Brian Riemer. The 46-year-old took charge for the final two matches of the group stage but has yet to secure his first victory, recording a 1-2 loss to Spain and a 0-0 draw against Serbia. Nonetheless, Riemer is shaping his team with a mix of experience and emerging talent, aiming to restore Denmark’s competitive edge on the international stage.
Familiar faces from Portuguese football will line up for Denmark, including Morten Hjulmand, captain of Sporting, and Alexander Bah, a key player for Benfica. These players, alongside Danish talisman Christian Eriksen, bring quality and leadership to the squad. Eriksen, despite his well-documented health challenges, remains the heart of the Danish midfield. At the other end of the pitch, 38-year-old goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel continues to provide stability. Schmeichel, son of legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, has his own connection to Portuguese football, having played for Sporting earlier in his career.
The quarter-final clash will unfold over two legs, with Portugal visiting Denmark on March 20, 2025, before hosting the return leg on March 23. A spot in the semi-finals will be on the line, where the winner will face either Italy or Germany. Portugal, winners of the inaugural Nations League in 2019, will look to reclaim the title and further cement their status as a powerhouse in European football.
The remaining quarter-final matchups include the Netherlands vs. Spain and Croatia vs. France. The winners of these ties will meet in the other semi-final, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the tournament. For the first time in the competition’s history, the Nations League has introduced a quarter-final stage, replacing the previous format where group winners advanced directly to the Final Four.
The final of the fourth edition of the Nations League is scheduled for June 8, 2025. The host nation for the Final Four will be announced once the semi-finalists are determined, adding another layer of intrigue to a competition that continues to evolve in importance and prestige.
This quarter-final showdown between Portugal and Denmark is more than just another match; it is a clash of history, ambition, and rising narratives. With Portugal’s rich history of success against Denmark and their current form, the Seleção enters the tie as favorites. However, Denmark’s resilience and quality make them a formidable opponent, ensuring a thrilling battle over two legs as both teams aim for a spot in the Final Four.
Meta description: Portugal will face Denmark in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, a clash steeped in history and high stakes. Explore the rivalry, key players, and what’s at stake in this two-legged showdown.
