Portugal arrive in Denmark with their unbeaten Nations League record intact, but Thursday’s third-round meeting offers a sterner test after two functional rather than convincing performances.
Jorge Jesus began his tenure with a narrow 1-0 win over Wales, João Félix scoring in the 22nd minute to settle a match in which Portugal struggled to find fluency. Cristiano Ronaldo’s display drew particular attention, and the forward was then left out of the following official fixture against Norway.
Portugal nevertheless beat Norway 2-1 without Ronaldo, marking his first absence from an official international match in 18 years. The result kept Jesus’s side unbeaten ahead of their trip to Denmark.
Denmark regain confidence before Portugal test
Denmark come into the fixture after an uneven sequence of their own. They suffered a first competitive defeat to Norway last Thursday, but responded by overcoming Wales in their latest outing.
The home side will also lean on a formidable record in front of their own supporters. Denmark have not lost at home in nine matches, setting up a contest between Portugal’s unbeaten Nations League campaign and a Danish team difficult to dislodge on familiar ground.
Thursday’s game will test whether Portugal can add authority to their results under Jesus, while Denmark look to turn their home resilience into another statement against one of Europe’s strongest international sides.
