Denmark and Portugal will aim to take a step closer to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals when they face off at Parken on Thursday.
The 2024/25 UEFA Nations League resumes in the first international break of 2025, with the quarter-finals kicking off and culminating this week. The action on Thursday will start and end with four simultaneous games, including Denmark vs Portugal at Parken.
Denmark qualified for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals by finishing runner-up behind Spain in Group A4. Brian Riemer’s men were hot off the blocks in their Nations League campaign, clinching 2-0 wins over Switzerland and Serbia. However, they ended with four winless results, although two draws were enough to help the Red and Whites reach the Last Eight.
On the other hand, Portugal cruised in the opening phase of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, enjoying an unbeaten run in the group stage. While Roberto Martinez’s men conceded a goal in every game apart from the goalless stalemate with Scotland, they won four and drew two ties to secure the top spot in Group A1.
The most recent clash between Denmark and Portugal came in October 2015, with Joao Moutinho scoring the game’s only goal to help the Seleccao to a 1-0 win. The Hard Tackle looks closer at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Denmark
Brian Riemer has new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture. Denmark’s head coach will be bereft of the services of two players vs Portugal, with Mads Roerslev and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg pulling out of the squad.
In addition, Riemer has made a few changes to his most recent selection, with Peter Vindahl Jensen, Victor Kristiansen, Alexander Bah, Matt O’Riley, and Yussuf Poulsen among those missing out in the ongoing international break. However, Conrad Harder has earned his first call-up to his national side.
Kasper Schmeichel should take his spot between the sticks, with Denmark lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him vs Portugal on Thursday. The backline should feature Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Jannik Vestergaard, and Joakim Maehle.
As for the midfield unit, Christian Norgaard will likely deputise for the injured Hojbjerg. The Brentford skipper should accompany Morten Hjulmand and Christian Eriksen in the middle of the park. Finally, Rasmus Hojlund should lead the line for Denmark against Portugal, with Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikkel Damsgaarad being the two wide attackers. Harder and Mika Biereth will be backup options on the bench.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Vestergaard, Maehle; Norgaard, Hjulmand, Eriksen; Skov Olsen, Hojlund, Damsgaard
Portugal
Unlike his counterpart in the Danish dugout, Roberto Martinez has no new issues to worry about ahead of the trip to Parken. However, Portugal’s head coach made several changes to his squad for the first international break of 2025.
Joao Cancelo, Tomas Araujo, Tiago Djalo, Otavio, Samu Costa, and Fabio Silva have found no place in the latest squad. Meanwhile, Goncalo Inacio, Ruben Dias, Ruben Neves, Goncalo Ramos, Diogo Jota return after missing the games in November. In addition, Geovany Quenda has the opportunity to make his debut for Portugal.
Diogo Costa is the automatic pick between the sticks, with Portugal lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him vs Denmark on Thursday. The backline should feature Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, and Nuno Mendes.
As for the midfield unit, Neves and Vitinha should recreate their midfield pairing from PSG, with Bruno Fernandes lining up alongside them in the middle of the park. Finally, Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line for Portugal against denmark, with Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto being the two wide attackers.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Costa; Dalot, Dias, Antonio Silva, Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Neto, Ronaldo, Leao
Key Stats
- Denmark and Portugal have locked horns 16 times in all competitions. The Seleccao have been the dominant side in these meetings, clinching 11 wins (D2 L3).
- Portugal have scored at least two goals in eight of their 16 games vs Denmark.
- Both teams conceded five goals in six games in the UEFA Nations League group stage, although Portugal outscored Denmark 13-7 in those outings.
- Denmark have won four of their five most recent home games in the UEFA Nations League, with their only defeat during this period coming against Spain last year.
- Portugal have lost only one of their 11 away games in the UEFA Nations League.
Player to Watch
Rasmus Hojlund
While Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen were viable candidates for this section, we have picked Rasmus Hojlund as our Player to Watch for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash between Denmark and Portugal and Parken.
The 22-year-old has endured a horrendous 2024/25 campaign, and he has blown hot and cold for his national side, failing to score an international goal in 2024. However, after confidence-boosting displays for Manchester United last week, the Dane will be rare to go and rediscover his best touch. So, expect a fired-up performance by the young striker.
Prediction
Denmark 1-1 Portugal
Denmark might have struggled to consistently score goals in the UEFA Nations League group stage. However, Brian Riemer’s men were solid at the back in most outings, boasting the joint-second-best defensive record alongside Portugal.
So, it will not be surprising to see the two defensive units keeping the attackers at bay for long stretches. However, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen should work their magic as the minutes wear on. Ultimately, there might not be much to separate the two sides. However, The Hard Tackle predicts a 1-1 draw between Denmark and Portugal, leaving it all on the line for the second leg.
