Cristiano Ronaldo scored and missed a penalty as Portugal edged a thrilling 5-2 encounter with Denmark to reach the Nations League semi-finals.
The quarter-final ended 3-3 on aggregate after 90 minutes. However, Francisco Trincao put the home side ahead just seconds into extra time after Kasper Schmeichel saved Goncalo Ramos’ shot. Later Ramos scored to end it 5-2 after Extra Time.
In a dramatic match, Patrick Dorgu conceded an early penalty by bringing down Ronaldo inside the area, but Schmeichel got down low to his left to deny the Portugal captain’s effort.
Undeterred, the hosts continued to create better chances and took a deserved lead seven minutes before half-time when Fulham defender Joachim Andersen inadvertently headed Bruno Fernandes’ corner into his own net.
Ronaldo had a goal disallowed for offside against Rafael Leao just before half-time. Then, Rasmus Kristensen’s header from the back post leveled the score to 1-1 on the night, restoring Denmark’s aggregate advantage.
In an eventful match for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo’s close-range finish in the 72nd minute made it 2-1 after Schmeichel had saved Fernandes’ initial effort.
But Denmark seemed set to advance in normal time when Christian Eriksen converted Dorgu’s low cross just four minutes later, making it 2-2.
However, Trincao responded with a powerful finish from the edge of the box with four minutes remaining in regulation, and he netted his second goal early in the first half of extra time.
Ramos added a fifth goal for Portugal by converting Diogo Jota’s square pass from close range.
Before kick-off, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva was honored with a commemorative trophy for becoming only the eighth player to reach 100 appearances for the Portugal senior men’s team.
Roberto Martinez’s side will face Germany in the semi-finals, while Denmark will now play Scotland in World Cup qualifying Group C.
