Portugal completed its rally against Denmark and secured a 5-3 victory on aggregate to proceed to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals last night.

Though entertaining, Portugal had very nearly thrown the match away after Dias’ calamitous giveaway let Eriksen score and gave Denmark the lead on aggregate.

But Martínez to his credit made three crucial substitutions - Jota, Ramos, and Trincão - who stole the game back, the latter with two superb goals, the first of his Seleção career. 

PortuGOAL.net’s Nathan Motz advises which players made the grade and which missed the mark as Germany awaits in the next round this summer. 

Portugal manager Roberto Martínez and his players were delighted at the end of the electrifying victory over Denmark in Lisbon tonight, but made it obvious that the sharp criticism directed at them over recent days had stung.

Martínez in particular took issue with one journalist, suggesting that if he is “suffering” watching Portugal play he should change profession. Bernardo Silva hit the nail on the head by saying “there is no middle ground in football” given the passion involved.

Two-goal hero Franscisco Trincão, meanwhile, revealed that he has been encouraged to shoot more often both by his club and national team coaches. 

Portugal advanced to the Nations League semi-finals after a thrilling 5-2 victory against Denmark at Estádio José Alvalade.

Trailing 1-0 after a poor performance in the first leg in Copenhagen, Cristiano Ronaldo won and missed an early penalty before Joachim Andersen’s own goal gave the Seleção a half-time lead.

Rasmus Kristensen equalised in the 56th minute before Ronaldo pounced to tuck home a rebound 16 minutes later. The tie swung back in favour of Denmark when Christian Eriksen scored after an error from Rúben Dias.

The Danes tried to close it out in Lisbon but they failed, Francisco Trincão scoring in the 86th minute to take it to extra time.

Trincão scored less than a minute after the restart as Denmark refused to go down easily, Gonçalo Ramos eventually sealing the deal in the 115th minute.

The result sees Roberto Martínez’s side advance to the semi-finals where they will face Germany in Munich.

Cristiano Ronaldo fronted the media before Portugal’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash against Denmark at Estádio José Alvalade. The Seleção have to overturn a deficit in Lisboa after losing the first leg 1-0 in Denmark.

Portugal’s captain addressed a number of issues including criticism of the team and manager Roberto Martínez.