Francisco Trincão emerged as Portugal’s hero, coming off the bench to score a crucial brace as Portugal sealed a thrilling 5-2 extra-time victory over Denmark in the Nations League quarter-finals.
 ÂWith this victory, Portugal has now advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Germany in their quest for another Nations League title.
 ÂThe match started with high intensity as Cristiano Ronaldo had an early opportunity to give Portugal the lead from the penalty spot. However, his weakly struck effort was comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel, leaving fans in disbelief.
 ÂDespite the missed opportunity, Portugal remained dominant in possession, with Ronaldo coming close again, only for the Danish goalkeeper to produce another fine save from close range.
 ÂPortugal’s breakthrough finally came when Joachim Andersen inadvertently headed Bruno Fernandes’ corner into his own net, handing the Seleção a crucial lead.
 ÂDenmark responded strongly in the second half, with Rasmus Kristensen rising high to send a looping header past Diogo Costa, leveling the score and reigniting their hopes.
 ÂRonaldo made amends for his earlier penalty miss when he reacted quickest to a Fernandes long-range strike that bounced off the post, tapping in to restore Portugal’s lead.
 ÂHowever, Denmark once again found a way back into the contest as a defensive error from Portugal allowed Christian Eriksen to capitalize and slot home the equalizer, forcing extra time in a dramatic showdown.
 ÂWith penalties looming, Trincão stepped up when it mattered most, slotting home after Gonçalo Ramos’ shot was parried into his path, giving Portugal a 3-2 lead in extra time.
 ÂDiogo Jota thought he had extended the advantage with a well-taken goal, but VAR intervened to rule it offside, keeping Denmark’s hopes alive.
 ÂDespite the disallowed goal, Portugal continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off when Ramos converted a perfect cutback from Jota to secure a commanding 5-3 aggregate victory.
 ÂThe Seleção now turns their focus to a high-stakes semi-final clash against Germany as they edge closer to Nations League glory.