Portugal Player Ratings vs. Denmark: Cristiano Ronaldo Struggles Again as Rasmus Hojlund Secures Nations League Win Despite Diogo Costa’s Heroics

Portugal fell to a 1-0 defeat against Denmark in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final, with Rasmus Hojlund’s strike proving decisive in Copenhagen. Despite Diogo Costa’s outstanding goalkeeping—saving a penalty and making two excellent stops—Roberto Martinez’s side couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Costa had an early scare when his attempted clearance ricocheted off Mika Biereth and nearly rolled into his own net, but he recovered well. At the other end, Kasper Schmeichel was forced into action, stretching to tip Pedro Neto’s powerful shot over the bar.

As the match progressed, Denmark became more threatening and won a penalty after Renato Veiga blocked Christian Eriksen’s goal-bound volley with his hand. However, Costa came to Portugal’s rescue, diving to his right to deny the Manchester United midfielder from the spot.

Denmark continued to push forward, with Costa making a fine save to deny Biereth, while Diogo Dalot made a crucial goal-line clearance to stop Eriksen. Meanwhile, Portugal struggled in attack, with Ronaldo’s weak header being one of their few chances.

Costa was tested again early in the second half, producing a solid stop against Gustav Isaksen before Hojlund, fresh off the bench, missed a chance. However, the United striker soon made amends, finishing off a brilliant team move and celebrating with Ronaldo’s signature ‘SIUUU’ celebration.

GOAL’s Portugal Player Ratings

Goalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (8/10) – Overcame an early mistake and redeemed himself with a fantastic penalty save. Made superb stops to deny Biereth and Isaksen but had no chance with the goal.

Diogo Dalot (5/10) – Struggled defensively as Denmark’s best attacks came down his side. However, he did make a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Eriksen.

Ruben Dias (7/10) – Organized the defense well and made vital blocks to stop Lundstram and Isaksen on either side of halftime.

Renato Veiga (4/10) – Lucky that Eriksen didn’t capitalize on his careless handball. Looked uneasy for most of the match, aside from his aerial duels.

Nuno Mendes (5/10) – Had trouble coping with Isaksen’s speed and dribbling. Made some attacking contributions but failed to make a real impact.

Midfield

Vitinha (6/10) – Portugal’s most composed midfielder in the first half, displaying excellent control in tight spaces. However, he faded after halftime, picked up a booking, and squandered a scoring opportunity.

Joao Neves (4/10) – A disappointing display compared to his club performances. Struggled to impose himself and failed to track Eriksen effectively.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10) – Showed great effort but lacked his usual creative spark, unable to break down Denmark’s defense.

Attack

Pedro Neto (6/10) – Started brightly with a few dangerous dribbles and forced Schmeichel into an early save, but his influence diminished as the game wore on.

Cristiano Ronaldo (4/10) – Another ineffective performance against strong opposition. Apart from a weak header, he contributed little.

Rafael Leao (6/10) – Showed glimpses of brilliance, beating Kristensen several times, but his final delivery was inconsistent. Portugal should have used him more.