Ronaldo Misses Crucial Penalty as Portugal Fights for Nations League Semi Final Spot
- Cristiano Ronaldo missed a crucial opportunity to put Portugal ahead in their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal second-leg against Denmark
- However, despite the setback, Portugal staged a dramatic comeback to secure their place in the semifinals
- In the end, Ronaldo and his team had the last laugh as they advanced to face Germany
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Cristiano Ronaldo squandered a key chance to give Portugal the lead in their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal second-leg clash against Denmark—but in the end, he had the last laugh as they secured their spot in the semi finals.
The Selecão entered the match trailing 1-0 on aggregate after Rasmus Hojlund’s late strike sealed victory for Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday.
Source: Getty Images
The Manchester United striker marked his goal by performing Ronaldo’s iconic 'Siu' celebration.
Portugal had a golden chance to equalize just six minutes into the second leg when they were awarded a penalty.
Stepping up to extend his record tally to 136 international goals, Ronaldo aimed for the bottom corner.
However, his effort lacked precision, landing too centrally, allowing Kasper Schmeichel to make a comfortable low save to his left.
Ronaldo had the last laugh
Despite an early setback, Ronaldo played a key role in Portugal’s dramatic comeback.
In the second half, he was in the right place at the right time when Bruno Fernandes’ shot hit the post and deflected off an unsuspecting Kasper Schmeichel.
Reacting quickest, Ronaldo pounced on the rebound, firing home from a tight angle to make it 2-1 on the night.
Source: Getty Images
Portugal had initially taken the lead through a Joachim Andersen own goal, but Denmark responded with Rasmus Kristensen’s equaliser.
Moments later, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate, Christian Eriksen, restored Denmark’s aggregate lead. However, Portugal refused to back down, and Francisco Trincão came off the bench to level the tie just five minutes after his introduction, forcing extra time.
With Ronaldo subbed off, Trincão struck again in extra time before Gonçalo Ramos sealed the victory. Portugal will now face hosts Germany in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals in June, with a potential final against either Spain or France.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s top scorer in Nations League history, netting five times during the group stage. His tally of 13 goals also places him third on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
Cristiano Ronaldo responds to Rasmus Hojlund
Earliler, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to Rasmus Hojlund mimicking his celebration during Denmark's 1-0 win over Portugal on Thursday.
The two nations clashed in a Nations League match, where the Manchester United striker's 78th-minute goal proved to be the decisive moment.
After struggling to score for Manchester United this season, netting for his country was a significant moment for Hojlund, who marked it by replicating Ronaldo's iconic celebration.
Ronaldo assesses CR7's GOAT status
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ronaldo Nazario was asked whether CR7 is the greatest footballer of all time, and his response was unexpected.
The Brazilian icon acknowledged CR7’s remarkable achievements but stopped short of calling him the GOAT, ranking him only in the top 10.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
