Francisco Trincao came off the bench to deliver a sensational performance, scoring twice as Portugal triumphed 5-2 after extra time in a thrilling Nations League quarter-final clash against Denmark. The victory ensured Portugal's place in the Nations League semi-finals, where they will face Germany.  

Portugal’s star forward Cristiano Ronaldo had the opportunity to give his side an early lead, but his penalty was weakly taken and easily saved by Denmark's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Despite his early struggles, Ronaldo had another chance to score from close range, but Schmeichel came to Denmark's rescue again with a crucial save.  

Portugal eventually broke the deadlock through an unfortunate own goal by Denmark’s Joachim Andersen, who headed Bruno Fernandes’s corner into his own net. However, Denmark responded strongly in the second half, with Rasmus Kristensen scoring a well-placed header to level the aggregate score.  

Ronaldo redeemed himself for his missed penalty by converting a long-range shot from Fernandes that ricocheted off the post, putting Portugal back in the lead. Yet, Denmark refused to give up, and Christian Eriksen pounced on a defensive error from Portugal to bring the match level once again.  

As the game seemed headed for penalties, Trincao emerged as the hero in extra time. After a save from Schmeichel on Gonçalo Ramos’s shot, Trincao calmly slotted home the rebound to give Portugal a crucial lead. Though Diogo Jota thought he had sealed the win with a goal, it was ruled out for offside.  

Despite the disallowed goal, Ramos added a second late in extra time after Jota delivered a precise cutback, securing Portugal's 5-3 aggregate win. With the semi-finals now on the horizon, Portugal will be preparing for a tough clash against Germany as they continue their quest to defend their Nations League title.