Roberto Martinez’s Portugal team fell short on Thursday in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final, despite a remarkable performance from goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who saved a penalty and produced two more crucial stops. Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Denmark in Copenhagen, with Rasmus Hojlund’s well-taken strike ultimately proving to be the difference.
Costa had a lucky escape early in the match when his attempted clearance ricocheted off Mika Biereth and towards his own goal. However, the Porto goalkeeper quickly reacted to prevent any danger and avert a potential disaster. On the opposite end, Denmark’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, was also forced into action, stretching fully to palm away a powerful shot from Pedro Neto at the edge of the box, keeping the scoreline level.
After the first 20 minutes, Denmark began to find their rhythm and were awarded a penalty when Renato Veiga blocked a goal-bound volley from Christian Eriksen with his hand. Costa, however, was equal to the challenge, diving to his right and producing a superb save to deny Eriksen’s spot-kick, keeping Portugal in the game.
Despite this setback, Denmark continued to press, with Costa again being called into action. He produced another brilliant save, diving to deny a low shot from Biereth that was heading for the bottom corner. Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot made a crucial clearance off the line to prevent Eriksen from scoring a tap-in. At the other end, Cristiano Ronaldo had a frustrating moment when he sent a weak header wide, reflecting Portugal’s struggle to create significant chances.
In the second half, Costa was tested again, this time saving a strong shot from Gustav Isaksen. However, Denmark’s persistence eventually paid off. Hojlund, who had only just come on as a substitute, finished off a brilliant team move with a composed strike into the net. In a nod to his idol Ronaldo, Hojlund celebrated his goal with the famous ‘SIUUU’ gesture.
Despite Costa’s outstanding performance, Portugal was unable to find a way through Denmark’s defense, leaving them with a difficult task ahead in the second leg if they are to turn the tie around and keep their Nations League hopes alive.
