Denmark vs Portugal: UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final First Leg
Denmark will host Portugal at Parken Stadium on Thursday in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, both teams will be looking for a good result in this big one.
Denmark finished 2nd in Group A4 behind Spain. Brian Riemer’s side started well with back-to-back wins over Switzerland and Serbia but then went winless in their last 4 games. Two crucial draws saw them progress to the Last Eight.
Portugal cruised through Group A1 unbeaten, winning 4 and drawing 2 of their 6 games. Roberto Martinez’s side scored 13 goals and conceded 5. They will look to take their group stage form into this knockout tie.
The last time these two teams met was in October 2015 when Portugal won 1-0 thanks to a Joao Moutinho goal. Both teams have changed a lot since then so this should be a good one.
Team News & Tactics
Denmark
Brian Riemer has a few absentees for this one. Mads Roerslev and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are out injured while Yussuf Poulsen and Matt O’Riley are not in the squad. But Conrad Harder has been called up for the first time.
Denmark will probably play 4-3-3. Kasper Schmeichel will start in goal, with Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Jannik Vestergaard, and Joakim Maehle in the backline. Christian Norgaard will play alongside Morten Hjulmand and Christian Eriksen in midfield. Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line with Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikkel Damsgaard on the flanks.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Vestergaard, Maehle; Norgaard, Hjulmand, Eriksen; Skov Olsen, Hojlund, Damsgaard.
Portugal
Roberto Martinez has no new injury worries but has made a few changes to his squad. Joao Cancelo, Otavio, and Fabio Silva are not in the squad while Goncalo Ramos and Diogo Jota are back after missing the November games. Geovany Quenda could make his debut for Portugal.
Portugal will probably play 4-3-3. Diogo Costa will start in goal, with Diogo Dalot and Nuno Mendes as full-backs. Ruben Dias and Antonio Silva will play in the centre of the defence. Ruben Neves and Vitinha will play in midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line with Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto on the flanks.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Costa; Dalot, Dias, Antonio Silva, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ronaldo, Leao.
Key Stats
- Denmark and Portugal have met 16 times in all competitions. Portugal has 11 wins (D2 L3).
- Portugal has scored at least 2 in 8 of their 16 matches against Denmark.
- Denmark has won 4 of their last 5 home games in the UEFA Nations League.
- Portugal has lost just 1 of their last 11 away games in the UEFA Nations League.
- Both teams scored 5 goals in the group stage this season.
Player to Watch: Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund has had a tough season at club level but is still Denmark’s key man. He’ll be looking to find his scoring touch on the international scene after some good performances for Manchester United last week. His hold-up play and ability to find spaces behind Portugal’s defense will be crucial for Denmark.
Denmark vs Portugal Prediction
Both teams have got quality and can produce moments of magic. Denmark has the home advantage at Parken Stadium but Portugal’s firepower and form make them slight favorites to get a positive result. Expect a tight game with not much between the two.
Denmark 1-1 Portugal
Denmark vs Portugal Live Stream
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