Francisco Trincao scored twice off the bench as Portugal booked their spot in the semifinals of the Nations League after beating Denmark 5-2 in extra time. Trincao, an 81st minute substitute for Diogo Dalot, arrived when the game was still tied 2-2, and his brace sent Roberto Martinez’s side through at the expense of the plucky Danes.
Portugal were given an early penalty when Man United’s Patrick Dorgu was penalised for fouling Cristiano Ronaldo, but the latter’s spot kick was a weak one, and was saved by Denmark keeper Patrick Schmeichel.
An own goal from Joachim Andersen put Portugal 1-0 ahead before half time, but the Danes hit back through Rasmus Kristensen’s header after the break. Ronaldo, who also had a header disallowed, finally got the goal he wanted in the 72nd minute, only for Eriksen to equalise minutes later after some good work from Dorgu.
However, Trincao’s introduction changed the game in Portugal’s favour and another substitute, PSG striker Goncalo Ramos, put the result beyond doubt with a fifth in the 115th minute.
Denmark gave it their all over both legs, although they were left ruing the missed chances in the first leg in Copenhagen, when they won only 1-0 instead of scoring three or four.
