Cristiano Ronaldoâs national team aims to bounce back in the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals after losing to Denmark in the first match. Rasmus Hojlund scored the decisive goal, sealing an impressive performance for the Danish side. Portugal struggled to find its rhythm, and Cristiano managed only two shots on target. After the disappointing result, questions have emerged about whether Ronaldo will start in the upcoming game.
Cristiano Ronaldoâs status as a starter was uncertain, not because of his performance in the first leg, but due to limited recovery time before the second match. However, Cristiano quickly dismissed concerns about his fitness, assuring he will be ready to face Denmark in the crucial second leg. His exceptional physical conditioning has been a key factor in his sustained success throughout his illustrious career.
Although the Portuguese star stated he would not mind sitting out if it guaranteed his teamâs victory, Cristiano Ronaldo will be a starter when Portugal faces Denmark. His pivotal role as the squadâs offensive leader in this UEFA Nations League campaign makes him a important player in the lineup.
Despite a rocky start to the tournament, Portugal remains one of the top contenders for the title. The teamâs well-balanced mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent could be key to their championship aspirations.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Poland and Portugal.
Portugal claimed the UEFA Nations League title in the 2018-19 season under Fernando Santos. Now, Roberto Martinez faces the challenge of proving he can lead this ambitious project. Despite managing a squad filled with talent, Martinez is under pressure to deliver results. An early elimination against Denmark would add another setback to his coaching career, which includes just one major trophy so far.
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Which will be Portugalâs lineup against Denmark?
After Roberto Martinezâs team failed to win the first leg, he will rely on his strongest lineup. As a result, Cristiano Ronaldo will start and wear the captainâs armband. Bernardo Silva will also start. With this appearance, the Manchester City star will reach his 100th cap for the national team.
Defensive side will also have changes. Renato Veigaâs poor display in the previous match have prompt Martinez to make adjustments to his backline. With that change, Portugalâs lineup will be as follows: Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes; Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Francisco Conceicao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leao.
Which will be Denmarkâs lineup against Portugal?
Despite defeating Portugal in the first leg, coach Brian Riemer will still make some small but important changes to his starting lineup. Rasmus Hojlund, who scored the winning goal in the previous match, will start against Portugal. The adjustments will not end there. Offensive left-back Patrick Dorgu will replace Joakim Maehle.
After these changes, Denmark will start as follows: Kasper Schmeichel; Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Jannik Vestergaard, Patrick Dorgu; Christian Eriksen, Morten Hjulmand, Christian Norgaard; Gustav Isaksen, Rasmus Hojlund, Jesper Lindstrom.
