In an exhilarating encounter that needed to be determined in additional time, Portugal secured their spot within the Nations League Closing 4 with a hard-fought win over Denmark. Along with his sights set on successful his third worldwide trophy, Cristiano Ronaldo shared an uplifting response following the qualification.
Portugal entered the match needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the primary leg in Denmark. With a 5-2 combination victory in additional time, Ronaldo’s aspect accomplished the comeback, incomes a spot within the Closing 4, which will likely be contested in June.
The legendary ahead performed a key function within the comeback, scoring an important objective within the 72nd minute. After Bruno Fernandes’ shot rattled the submit and deflected off goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, Ronaldo was fast to pounce on the rebound, equalizing and maintaining Portugal’s hopes alive. Following the match, Ronaldo took to social media to share his pleasure and satisfaction within the workforce’s achievement.
“What an evening, Portugal!” Ronaldo posted on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram, alongside photographs of the second of qualification and his celebratory response—a celebration he had predicted after Denmark’s Rasmus Hojlund mimicked Ronaldo’s iconic gesture within the first recreation.
Earlier than the sport, Ronaldo was honored with a Guinness World Report award for essentially the most worldwide wins in historical past. He additionally prolonged his all-time objective tally with Portugal to 136 targets in 219 appearances. Wanting forward, Ronaldo’s Portugal will face Germany within the Nations League semifinals on June 4th. Germany superior after a 5-4 combination victory over Italy.
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Ronaldo’s dialogue with Martinez raises issues
One of many extra shocking moments of the match got here within the 90+1 minute when coach Roberto Martinez determined to substitute Ronaldo for Gonçalo Ramos. The timing of the substitution raised eyebrows, because the match was tied, and further time (and doubtlessly penalties) loomed, making Ronaldo’s absence appear to be a big blow.
Nonetheless, the choice seemed to be premeditated. Within the 86th minute, instantly after Francisco Trincao’s equalizer, Ronaldo approached his coach, and pictures confirmed him seemingly pointing to his proper leg, presumably signaling discomfort or a possible harm.
Moments later, Ronaldo was substituted, visibly displeased with the choice. Whereas no official updates on the standing of his harm have been launched, the interplay with Martinez and the timing of the substitution have raised issues a couple of attainable harm danger.
