rewrite this title Portugal predicted lineup vs Denmark – Nations League

Portugal have made life difficult for themselves ahead of their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg with Denmark on Sunday evening.

The Iberians were comfortably beaten during Thursday’s opening encounter and were fortunate to escape Copenhagen with just a 1-0 defeat to their name. Such a narrow margin offers them hope of turning things around in Lisbon.

Roberto Martinez has an exceptional squad at his disposal, who will have to raise their standards against Denmark if they want to progress. Portugal need their superstars to step up to the plate on the big stage.

Here is how Portugal could line up trying to keep their Nations League hopes alive.

GK: Diogo Costa – The 25-year-old proved his penalty-saving prowess during last summer’s European Championship and was again agile enough to keep out a spot kick during the first leg, denying Christian Eriksen from 12 yards.

RB: Diogo Dalot – The Manchester United defender will come up against several of his clubmates during Sunday’s second leg and could be directly competing with Denmark left-back Patrick Dorgu.

CB: Ruben Dias – The Manchester City defender has seen his standards drop significantly in 2024/25 and another shaky display offered Denmark encouragement last time out. He must be sharper during the second leg.

CB: Goncalo Inacio – Renato Veiga was chosen to start the first leg but gifted Denmark their penalty and looked nervous throughout. Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio could replace him – as he did late in the match in Copenhagen.

LB: Nuno Mendes – Mendes proved he’s not just a dynamic runner during Champions League battles with Liverpool, stifling Mohamed Salah across both games. That defensive quality was on show up against Lazio’s Gustav Isaksen in the first leg.

DM: Vitinha – The deep-lying playmaker offers immense composure in the centre of the park and Portugal still dominated possession during the first leg as a result of his tempo-setting. Nobody had more touches than him in Denmark.

DM: Joao Neves – Making up the second half of the Paris Saint-Germain double pivot, Neves should beat off competition from namesakes Joao Palhinha and Ruben Neves to earn another start.

RW: Pedro Neto – The Chelsea winger had little joy against Wolfsburg’s Joakim Maehle on Thursday, unable to best the left-back with his dynamism and raw speed. He should be handed the opportunity to redeem himself in the second leg.

AM: Bruno Fernandes – Fernandes has been in electrifying form for Man Utd in recent weeks but wasn’t quite as decisive on Thursday. He still boasted the second most touches of any player, though.

LW: Rafael Leao – Leao was surprisingly toothless last time out despite showing plenty of endeavour going forward. It’s rare that the devastating Milan winger is kept quiet two games in a row.

ST: Cristiano Ronaldo – International football’s top goalscorer was unable to add to his 135 strikes in Copenhagen but will have the opportunity to boost his tally during his 219th Portugal appearance. He’ll be hoping he’s the striker performing his signature celebration this time around.

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