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March 22 2025, 14:45 · Alex Lawes
Updated March 22 2025, 15:25

Portugal vs Denmark Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024-25 UEFA Nations League | Quarter-Final

Portugal vs Denmark Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024-25 UEFA Nations League | Quarter-Final
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Roberto Martinez’ international record in qualifying or non-major tournament games is excellent but they endured a surprise defeat in the first-leg of this UEFA Nations League quarter-final.

Kick-off date/time: Sunday 23rd March, 2025: UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 3:45pm / US PT – 12:45pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – FOX Sports

How to watch online: UK – Viaplay International YouTube / US – FOX Sports streaming platforms

Portugal Preview: The CR7 dilemma

Legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo and his presence within the national team, despite his ability to still score goals but perhaps not to the overall long-term benefit of his side, has been an issue for a few years now and their lack of fluidity became an issue the other day, too.

In what was Brien Riemer’s third game in charge of Denmark, the Danes managed to defeat the Portuguese by a goal to nil via a 78th minute winner scored by Rasmus Hojlund, around 50 minutes after Christian Eriksen had missed a penalty.

Denmark Preview: Hojlund holds off Biereth

That goal for the out of form Manchester United striker Hojlund was a massive moment for him after a really disappointing season at club level. In-form Monaco striker Mika Biereth has enjoyed a remarkable 2025 but was substituted for the eventual match winner.

Denmark had endured a four-match winless run of form before that victory against Portugal, following a general dip in form over recent years with Kasper Hjulmand leaving his post following their Round of 16 exit from UEFA EURO 2024 at the hands of Germany.

Portugal Team News: CR7 will be persisted with

When dropped for Portugal’s Round of 16 tie at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Selecao defeated Switzerland by six goals to one. He returned and they lost. He was an ever present at UEFA EURO 2024, they were very poor. He will stay in the side, though, and don’t back against him getting Portugal over the line.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Diogo Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Vitinha, J. Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Leao; Cristiano Ronaldo

Unavailable: 

Questionable: Veiga (Injured)

Denmark Team News: Hojlund’s hunt

The aforementioned Biereth has already raced into double figures for Ligue 1 goals despite only making his debut in France in January. However, after getting the nod the other day, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the first-leg match winner get in ahead of him this time.

Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Schmeichel; Kristensen, Vestergaard, Andersen; Isaksen, Hjulmand, Norgaard, Dorgu; Eriksen; Hojlund, Lindstrom

Unavailable: 

Questionable: 

Key Stats

  • Portugal have won five of the previous six international matches between these teams in Portugal (L1).
  • Only two of the previous 16 international matches between Portugal and Denmark finished level (Portugal wins = 10, Denmark wins = 4).
  • Portugal have won ten of their previous 13 UEFA Nations League matches in Portugal (D1 L2).
  • Portugal have won their last eight competitive matches in Portugal.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo scored in Portugal’s previous three home matches in the current UEFA Nations League campaign (four goals in the three matches).
  • Denmark have lost only four of their last 23 international matches (W12 D7).
  • Denmark have lost only two of their last eight UEFA Nations League matches (W4 D2).
  • Denmark have lost only three of their previous 11 UEFA Nations League matches outside of Denmark (W5 D3).
  • Denmark have kept five clean sheets in their last eight UEFA Nations League matches.

Portugal vs Denmark Prediction

Portugal will need to get on the front foot at the Jose Alvalade in Lisbon and the general expectation is for them to be able to take the game away from Denmark. With runners behind, Cristiano Ronaldo could and still should benefit against the likes of Jannik Vestergaard and Rasmus Nissen Kristensen in an attacking Danish side. Portugal are favourites for what could end up being quite an entertaining encounter at the home of Sporting CP.

Portugal vs Denmark Tip: Portugal to win & both teams to score

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