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Portugal player ratings vs Denmark: Cristiano Ronaldo bailed out by two-goal hero Francisco Trincao after awful penalty miss as Roberto Martinez's side outlast Denmark in Nations League thriller

Francisco Trincao's two goals off the bench secured Portugal a thrilling 5-2 extra-time win over Denmark to reach the semi-finals of the Nations League.

Portugal looked to have got off to the perfect start when Patrick Dorgu was adjudged to have fouled Ronaldo in the box but the Al-Nassr striker's abject, stuttering spot-kick was comfortably held by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

The 40-year-old, who struggled in the 1-0 first leg defeat, was denied again by the Celtic stopper when his close-range header was pushed behind by the veteran. At the other end, Rasmus Hojlund brought a good, low stop out of Diogo Jota, before Vitinha whistled a shot just over the bar not long after.

Ronaldo would have breathed a sigh of relief seven minutes before the break when Joachim Andersen inadvertently headed in Bruno Fernandes' corner for a comical own goal. The former Manchester United ace looked to have made it 2-0 on the night when he headed home from inside the six-yard box but the goal was ruled out due to an offside in the build-up.

Instead of pushing for a second, the hosts were nearly caught napping when Morten Hjulmand pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box and rifled a shot narrowly wide of the post.

Denmark's strong start to the second half was rewarded when Rasmus Kristensen's looping header found its way into the corner to make it 1-1 in the 56th minute. Ronaldo then atoned for his meek penalty when he turned in Fernandes' long-range piledriver, which bounced off the post, from a tight angle 18 minutes from time.

Their lead lasted just four minutes, though, as Dorgu pounced on Luis Dias' lackadaisical backpass and then the 20-year-old's slide-rule pass was tapped in by Manchester United team-mate Christian Eriksen.

Trincao flashed in a fierce drive shortly after coming on in the 86th minute but the visitors nearly won the tie at the death when the ball came through a morass of players, before dribbling agonisingly wide.

The super sub then delivered once again as he was in the right place at the right time to caress the ball past Schmeichel after Ramos' snap-shot was saved in the 91st minute. Jota had the ball in the net but the Liverpool striker was offside in the build-up as the home team threatened to extend their lead.

A tiring Denmark were then put out of their misery when Ramos slotted in Jota's cutback as Portugal earned a 5-3 aggregate victory to set up a last-four clash with Germany.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio Jose Alvalade...

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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Diogo Costa (6/10):

    Made some solid saves but there wasn't much he could do for Denmark's two goals.

    Diogo Dalot (7/10):

    The United full-back did his job competently enough, it was just that some of his team-mates didn't do theirs.

    Ruben Dias (6/10):

    Had a decent 75 minutes or so and then his sloppy pass back threatened to undo all his hard work.

    Goncalo Inacio (7/10):

    Put in a more solid and dependable 90-minute performance than team-mate Dias.

    Nuno Mendes (8/10):

    Whipped in a number of delightful crosses into the box for Ronaldo, one of which led to their penalty, and largely defended well.

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  • Portugal v Denmark - UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg TwoGetty Images Sport

    Midfield

    Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

    Is in such a rich vein of form right now for both club and country and was instrumental in both his side's goals. Defended well and deserved a goal for his efforts.

    Vitinha (6/10):

    Was busy in the centre of the park but maybe didn't provide the midfield security they needed.

    Bernardo Silva (5/10):

    The Manchester City stalwart seemed to have a quiet game when Portugal needed their big-name players to show up.

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    Attack

    Francisco Conceicao (7/10):

    The nippy winger was direct and a handful at times against Denmark but perhaps needs to have more end product.

    Cristiano Ronaldo (6/10):

    While he won his side a penalty, the subsequent effort was very tame and telegraphed. Kept plugging away and got his reward in the second half but he arguably could have had a hat-trick.

    Rafael Leao (4/10):

    Had a frustrating night as his mazy runs often led to nothing and he failed to get the better of right-back Kristensen. That was summed up when he was replaced just after the hour mark.

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    Subs & Manager

    Diogo Jota (7/10):

    Didn't do a great deal when he came on but grew into the game as extra-time wore on and got an assist.

    Nelson Semedo (6/10):

    Added a bit more attacking threat when he came on.

    Francisco Trincao (9/10):

    Finished with aplomb with virtually his first touch to rescue his side and then got another in extra-time.

    Goncalo Ramos (7/10):

    Was big and physical when he came on for Ronaldo and got a goal, too.

    Ruben Neves (6/10):

    Provided a bit more security in midfield as they tried to hold on for the win.

    Roberto Martinez (7/10):

    Questions will continue to be asked about whether Ronaldo should start in bigger games and if he should continue to take penalties. However, his team kept fighting and his substitutes saved Portugal.