Portugal vs Denmark 2nd Leg - Player Ratings | OneFootball

Portugal completed its rally against Denmark and secured a 5-3 victory on aggregate to proceed to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals last night.

Though entertaining, Portugal had very nearly thrown the match away after Dias’ calamitous giveaway let Eriksen score and gave Denmark the lead on aggregate.

But Martínez to his credit made three crucial substitutions - Jota, Ramos, and Trincão - who stole the game back, the latter with two superb goals, the first of his Seleção career.

PortuGOAL.net’s Nathan Motz advises which players made the grade and which missed the mark as Germany awaits in the next round this summer.

Starters

Diogo Costa – 7/10

Generally sound decision making and better distribution than in the first leg. He did however make one very unadvisable pass to Vitinha that the PSG wizard rescued with a crafty first touch. Costa had less to do overall but got down well to smother Højlund’s effort in the first half and made several other routine stops. Could hardly have been blamed for either goal.

Diogo Dalot – 5

He minds his defensive responsibilities well enough but it is clear to see his role in this squad will be in jeopardy as soon as another healthy rightback comes to the fore. Only 48 touches in 81 minutes tells the tale – unlike Mendes on the left, Dalot is not a game-breaker – no shots, no key passes, no completed dribbles, and no surprise if and when Cancelo returns to the starting XI in June.

Gonçalo Inácio – 7

The better of Portugal’s CBs, and he had to be. Showed his potential with a fine throughball for an inches-offside Leão in the first half. Took better care of the ball than the rest of the backline aside from a few sliced clearances. Finished second in clearances (10), first in interceptions and tied for first in tackles (3). It wasn’t all there, but seeing Inácio work to cover for others’ mistakes – and there were many - was proof enough alone he belongs in this squad.

Rúben Dias – 4.5

Truthfully, it wasn’t all so bad, but the error he made to allow Eriksen a tap-in was simply inexcusable. Top in clearances (12) and aerial challenges (5), Dias has supporters divided and last night will not have helped his cause. With Pepe off duty, Dias has enormous shoes to fill as Portugal continues its search for the ideal CB duo. Last night won’t cut it.

Nuno Mendes – 8.5

Nuno Mendes put in two outstanding performances against Denmark. Photo: Arlindo Homem ©

Outstanding. Arguably Portugal’s MVP over the two legs. Did everything and then some. Out-dribbled, outdueled, and outsmarted his opponents all over the pitch. Not perfect but with pace aplenty to cover his mistakes. Made a crucial intervention then block of a certain goal in the second half after yet another bad giveaway further upfield. Five key passes including a wonderfully measured touch to assist Trincão’s opener. How would this side have progressed without him?

Bernardo Silva – 6

His work in midfield was strong. Not on the ball enough to influence proceedings like Vitinha or Bruno but it should be noted that in the absence of a true DM, Bernardo’s hustle was indispensable. That said, did he look like the type of player one might expect to see celebrating 100 caps? No wow moments. No finely threaded passes. No shots. Bernardo has a knack for leaving supporters wanting more. His 100th time out did little to change that.

Bruno Fernandes – 6.5

Grew into the match. Anonymous for long stretches but second in key passes (4) and his shot off the upright seemed to light Portugal’s fighting spirit. Registered 4 total shots and the most touches of any player. Not scintillating, but good enough. He’ll need to be far better against the Germans.

Vitinha – 6.5

Most would have to admit this international break did not pan out as they might have expected concerning Vitinha. In neither leg did his inclination toward wizardry become apparent. No doubt whatsoever he belongs in the centre of Portugal’s midfield, but whether tactics or struggles to complement those around him, Vitinha was not at his peak.

Portugal 5-2 Denmark match reaction: Martínez and players hit back at criticism; Trincão admits “I should shoot more often”

Francisco Conceição – 5.5

Struggled physically against Dorgu. Put in better defensive work actually but was the most available outlet for Portugal going forward during his time on the pitch. Completed 28/30 passes with one key pass and one shot. An interesting variation on Portugal’s 4-3-3 but nothing more.

Rafael Leão – 4

One of his worst performances in recent memory. Consistently beaten in 1v1s by Kristensen. Too easy to anticipate, too anonymous off the ball to help the team. Not a single shot or completed dribble in this match. Has left his inclusion in the starting XI wide open for the taking in my book, especially in light of Trincão’s contribution. All keep asking, will he or won’t he become the next great one for Portugal? Not on this form he won’t.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 5.5

Just a nightmare to rate honestly. Did well to get the wrong side of Dorgu then attempted the very worst PK in all his storied career, full stop. Broke down several counters with bad touches, 1/4 dribbles completed, Portugal’s worst passer (72%) with only one key pass. Opened a shooting gallery with Schmeichel on the receiving end, tops in shots on target (5) and finally scoring after Bruno’s effort off the upright. He did do his part, must be said. And this performance underscores his rightful place in this squad today – impact sub.

Substitutes

Diogo Jota – 7

Diogo Jota showed his habitual hustle and bustle when he came off the substitutes bench. Photo: Arlindo Homem ©

Came on and began bullying Denmark’s backline, having a run at every defender in his path. Wasn’t spectacular to watch nor efficient in the slightest but his unorthodox approach worked tonight. Laid one on a plate for Ramos at the end of extra time. Should have scored himself had he just stayed onside to receive Neves’ excellent throughball but indiscipline got the better of him.

Trincão – 9, PortuGOAL.net’s Man of the Match

If to gaze into the starry heavens praying to the football gods I might have one prayer answered, it would be this: to replicate this performance again and again. Unelaborated, unembellished football. A cracking finish to break the game open after Nuno’s layoff, sending the game into extra time. His second equally important – dispatched with clinical efficiency. Released Jota with a beautifully weighted pass to set up the final goal of the match. Leão, Neto, and others take note – there are those waiting in the tall grass for their time to pounce. Trincão made his move last night.

Nélson Semedo – 6

Did not meaningfully influence the game. For the second match running, did not take particularly good care of the ball but was mostly called upon to lock down his side of the pitch. A workman-like performance. This team misses Cancelo.

Gonçalo Ramos – 7.5

Changed the game. His shot resulted in the goal sending the match to extra time. Put in good defensive effort, won and fired in two shots on goal, scoring Portugal’s fifth to put the game on ice. Passing efficiency was poor but the major complaint against this side’s attacking players is their inability to get shots on target. Ramos answered the call last night.

Rúben Neves – 6

One peach of a ball for an inexcusably offside Jota. Otherwise Neves busily kept the visitors from stealing back the game once it had been taken from them. If his selection over Pahlinha is because of his passing ability, Neves did not justify it aside from the aforementioned throughball for Jota.