In a thrilling Nations League quarter-final match on Thursday, Rasmus Højlund etched his name in football history by scoring the decisive goal for Denmark in a 1-0 win over Portugal. Coming off the bench in the 78th minute, the Manchester United striker’s goal secured Denmark’s victory and left Portugal’s hopes hanging in the balance. What made Højlund’s goal even more memorable was his celebration – he mimicked the iconic pose of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was on the pitch for Portugal.
Højlund’s strike came after a dramatic first half in which Christian Eriksen had missed a penalty for Denmark. The miss could have been a major setback, but Højlund ensured that the Danes had something to cheer about by scoring in the second half. His performance wasn’t just about the goal but the emotional connection he felt during the match. “It was fantastic, a great day in many ways,” said Højlund. “I played against my idol, scored, and became the match-winner. It couldn’t have been scripted any better.”
His tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest football players of all time, added a personal touch to the victory. Højlund’s gesture resonated with many fans who saw the young striker’s admiration for Ronaldo come full circle, from idolizing him to becoming a key player in a crucial international match.
Bruno Fernandes Reflects on Portugal’s Defeat
While Højlund was celebrating, Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes, who plays alongside Højlund at Manchester United, reflected on the team’s performance. Fernandes, who was on the opposite side in the match, acknowledged that Denmark’s aggressive approach caught Portugal off guard. “We knew they would come out strong,” Fernandes said. “We lacked aggression, and we need to be stronger in the duels and more intelligent in taking advantage of the depth.”
The loss was frustrating for Portugal, and Fernandes made it clear that they were focused on making a comeback in the second leg. “We have a difficult game ahead of us, but we really want to win, and at home with our fans, we are sure that we’ll be able to turn the game around,” he added.
Portugal will need to regroup for the second leg of the quarter-final, as they attempt to overcome Denmark’s lead and secure a spot in the next stage of the Nations League.
Other Nations League Quarter-Final Results
In other Nations League action, there were several dramatic moments across Europe. Spain battled the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in their first-leg quarter-final in Rotterdam. Spain took an early lead thanks to Nico Williams’ goal, but the Netherlands quickly responded. Cody Gakpo’s equalizer and Tijjani Reijnders’ strike in the second half gave the Dutch a 2-1 advantage. However, a late red card to Jorrel Hato gave Spain renewed hope, and Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time equalizer to ensure the teams would head into the second leg level.
Meanwhile, Germany came from behind to defeat Italy 2-1 in Milan. Italy’s Sandro Tonali opened the scoring early, but Germany’s Tim Kleindienst leveled things up in the second half. Leon Goretzka’s header 14 minutes before the final whistle gave Germany the win and the advantage heading into the return leg. The match was a thrilling affair, with both teams pushing for dominance, but Germany ultimately emerged victorious.
France faced a tough challenge in their Nations League quarter-final against Croatia. Despite a solid first-half performance from the French side, Croatia took control after goals from Ante Budimir and Ivan Perišić. France now finds themselves with a tough task ahead after the 2-0 loss in Split. France will need to dig deep in the second leg to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Other Nations League Results
Belgium’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Ukraine left them facing the prospect of relegation to League B. The Belgian team struggled defensively, and their failure to capitalize on opportunities handed Ukraine a comfortable victory.
Elsewhere, Turkey triumphed 3-1 over Hungary, and Austria and Serbia played out a 1-1 draw. Kosovo claimed a 2-1 victory against Iceland, and Georgia triumphed 3-0 in Armenia. Slovakia and Slovenia also played to a goalless draw, with both teams still fighting for a chance to progress.
Looking Ahead
The Nations League quarter-finals have provided plenty of excitement, with plenty still to play for in the second legs. Rasmus Højlund’s match-winning performance for Denmark against Portugal will be one of the standout moments of the competition, while teams like Spain and Germany will look to build on their positive results to secure advancement.
With several intense matchups ahead, fans can expect more drama as teams push for glory. The competition continues to showcase some of the best football talent across Europe, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in Portugal adding to the star power on display. Whether it’s Højlund’s tribute to his idol or Spain’s late drama against the Netherlands, the Nations League has delivered moments of magic that fans won’t soon forget.
As the Nations League quarter-finals unfold, the competition is heating up, and players like Rasmus Højlund are emerging as heroes. His goal and celebration against Portugal made the match unforgettable, while the results in Spain, Italy, and other countries provide a thrilling backdrop for the second leg. Football fans are in for a treat as the Nations League continues to deliver top-quality action across Europe.
