Denmark vs Portugal

A place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals is up for grabs as Denmark and Portugal lock horns in the first leg of their playoff tie at Parken Stadium.

Denmark’s quest to secure a first-ever appearance in the Nations League finals was off to a dream start as they beat Serbia and Switzerland via an identical 2-0 scoreline to commence their group-stage journey. However, after going winless in all four subsequent outings (D2, L2), they limped into the quarter-finals, where they’ll meet Portugal. Though their last meeting with the Iberian heavyweights dates back to 2015, Denmark’s memories of their previous clashes against the Selecao paint a bleak picture (W3, D2, L11). Yet, the hosts have been formidable on home turf, suffering just one loss in 14 internationals since June 2022 (W12, D1), courtesy of a 2-1 defeat to Spain in this season’s Nations League group stages.

In the meantime, Portugal went from strength to strength in Group A1, finishing top of the table, six points clear of second-placed Croatia as the only unbeaten team in the section (W4, D2). However, Roberto Martinez’s side slumped to two draws in their last two Nations League outings (W1). It’s worth noting that both stalemates came away from home, sandwiching a thumping 5-1 victory against Poland on home soil. Potentially 180 minutes away from the finals for the first time since they won this competition in 2018/19, Portugal will travel in high spirits, as they’ve only ever lost one Nations League fixture in foreign lands (W5, D5).