Portugal have won four of their last five meetings with Denmark: prediction for Denmark — Portugal
The UEFA Nations League third-round match between Denmark and Portugal will take place on October 1 at Parken Stadium. Portugal have won both of their opening matches and collected six points, while Denmark, after a 2-3 defeat to Norway, beat Wales 2-0.
Denmark: bounced back from defeat and are playing at home again
Brian Riemer’s side opened the tournament with a high-scoring defeat to Norway, but responded in the second round by beating Wales 2-0. For Denmark, this is their fourth consecutive Nations League campaign in the top tier.
The hosts also have a positive memory from their recent meeting with Portugal: in the previous edition, they beat this opponent 1-0 at home. However, Patrick Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury in the match against Wales and has been ruled out.
Portugal: six points even without a perfect performance
Portugal first edged past Wales 1-0 and then overcame Norway 2-1. As a result, Jorge Jesus’ side head into the third round with a perfect record.
However, the visitors will be without Cristiano Ronaldo in Copenhagen, as he left the national team camp after a meeting with the coach and the federation president. Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, has returned to training and is expected to be back in the starting lineup.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Portugal have won four of their last five matches against Denmark.
- In the previous Nations League campaign, Denmark beat Portugal 1-0 at home.
- Portugal began the current tournament with two consecutive victories.
Even without Ronaldo, the visitors can extend their winning run: prediction for Denmark — Portugal
Denmark are capable of making the favourites sweat at home — in the previous Nations League campaign, the Danes already defeated Portugal on their own turf. However, Jorge Jesus’ side now look stronger and deeper, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence is gradually becoming more than just a personnel loss — it is turning into a symbol of a major turning point. According to reports from several media outlets, the 41-year-old forward has made the final decision to retire from international football, meaning the CR7 era with the national team may truly be coming to an end.
Now Felix, Ramos, Neto, Bruno Fernandes and the new wave of Portuguese stars will have to prove that the “Navigators” are ready to win without the man who was the face of this national team for almost two decades. The match in Copenhagen could well become one of the first chapters of a new Portugal — one that comes after Ronaldo.
