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.

Portugal took a big step towards securing a spot in the 2025 European U17 Championship after beating Netherlands 3-1 in Vizela.

All three goals were scored in a seven-minute spell shortly before half-time, Anísio Cabral first to fire home before Mauro Furtado found the net after going on a long run from central defence.

Bernardo Lima squeezed a shot past Nick Dobben as Portugal controlled the rest of the contest, Kelvin Neijenhuis scoring a late consolation in the 86th minute.

Portugal remain two points clear of Serbia in Group 4, both teams meeting in the final qualifier in Barcelos on Tuesday.

UEFA Nations League QF First Leg

The Seleção were battered in Copenhagen last night yet somehow walked away with all still to play for in Lisbon.

Unable to generate attacking threat, Portugal GK Diogo Costa put the squad on his shoulders, denying Christian Eriksen from the spot after Veiga's unintentional handball. But Vitinha, João Neves, and Bruno Fernandes simply could not leverage their club form while Semedo and Dalot both struggled to assert themselves in the absence of the injured João Cancelo. 

Meanwhile, concern grows regarding the attacking end of Portugal's formation with Ronaldo on the wane and neither Leão nor Neto able to wrest victory from the jaws of defeat. 

PortuGOAL.net's Nathan Motz has your player ratings from last night's action.

Portugal will have to do it the hard way in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals after a deserved 1-0 first leg defeat in Denmark.

Diogo Costa survived an early scare at Parken Stadium but proved influential in the 24th minute, the goalkeeper diving the right way to save Christian Eriksen’s penalty.

Mika Biereth tested Costa and Eriksen’s shot was cleared off the line by Diogo Dalot, the Danes going into half-time full of confidence and maintaining the momentum after the break.

Portugal had been playing with fire and were finally punished in the 78th minute. Costa’s pass was intercepted, a swift counter attack resulting in Rasmus Højlund finding the back of the net.

Roberto Martínez has some work to do before the second leg in Lisboa on Sunday, his side too slow and too predictable against a quality opponent.