Home » Denmark Defeats Portugal as Netherlands and Spain Draw in Nations League Quarterfinals

Denmark Defeats Portugal as Netherlands and Spain Draw in Nations League Quarterfinals

Denmark edged Portugal thanks to Ramus Hojlund’s only goal as Cristiano Ronaldo was silent during his 90 minutes of the Nations League first leg.

Visit SportsMania for more football news and updates.

The UEFA Nations League quarterfinals delivered thrilling matches, showcasing goals, drama, and standout performances from some of Europe’s football giants.

Check out M88 Mansion’s best offers here.

Nations League Quarterfinal First-Leg Results

• Italy 1-2 Germany
• Netherlands 2-2 Spain
• Denmark 1-0 Portugal
• Croatia 2-0 France

Denmark 1-0 Portugal: Ronaldo underperformed

Rasmus Hojlund scored the match’s only goal as Cristiano Ronaldo had an underwhelming performance despite playing the full 90 minutes.

Playing at Parken Stadium on March 20, Denmark dominated the game, recording 23 shots with nine on target compared to Portugal’s eight shots with only two on target. In the first half alone, Denmark created 13 chances, almost triple that of Portugal.

The standout performer for Portugal was goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who made several crucial saves to deny Denmark, including stopping a penalty from Christian Eriksen.

Despite expectations for a stellar display, Ronaldo struggled, losing possession 30 times and failing to register a single shot on target. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund proved decisive, scoring just 10 minutes after being subbed on.

In the 79th minute, Denmark executed a brilliant one-touch passing sequence in the middle before switching play to the right. Andreas Skov Olsen then delivered a precise cross, allowing Hojlund to finish clinically past Costa.

Following his goal, Hojlund celebrated with a spinning jump—Ronaldo’s signature move. His strike gave Denmark an advantage, heading into the second leg at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon on March 23.

Netherlands 2-2 Spain

The reigning European champions, Spain, had to wait until the 93rd minute to equalize against the Netherlands in their first-leg Nations League quarterfinal on March 20.

Spain struck early, with Pedri setting up Nico Williams for a left-footed finish inside the box in the ninth minute.

Despite conceding first, the Netherlands responded strongly, showcasing fast transitions and technical prowess that troubled Spain’s defense. In the 28th minute, Justin Kluivert—son of current Indonesia national team coach Patrick Kluivert—assisted Cody Gakpo, who drilled a low shot into the left corner to equalize.

The Dutch continued their offensive momentum after halftime. Just 60 seconds into the second half, Indonesia-origin Tijjani Reijnders unleashed a powerful low strike from outside the box, beating the Spanish keeper and putting the Netherlands ahead 2-1.

Spain controlled 60% of possession but struggled to break down a defense led by Virgil Van Dijk. Head coach Luis De La Fuente introduced Lamine Yamal and Pedri in the 66th minute to spark creativity.

In the 81st minute, Dutch defender Jorrel Hato received a straight red card for a reckless challenge, giving Spain a numerical advantage. The visitors capitalized on this in stoppage time. Substitute Mikel Merino, who had come on for Fabian Ruiz in the 84th minute, rescued Spain with a right-footed strike into the center of the net, securing a dramatic 2-2 draw.