UEFA Nations League

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Nations League | Quarter-Finals | 1st Leg

Mar 20, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Parken

Denmark
vs.
Portugal

Portugal lineup vs. Denmark: Predicted XI for Nations League quarter-final first-leg clash

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter

Published: March 18 2025 | 23:45

Last updated: March 19 2025 | 00:20

Ronaldo start and debut for Chelsea-bound teen? Predicted Portugal lineup vs. Denmark

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Portugal could line up for Thursday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first-leg clash with Denmark.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has named his 26-man squad ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first-leg clash with Denmark at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.

At the ripe old age of 40, captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been included and is set to earn his 218th international cap up front, while Martinez has a plethora of other attacking options at his disposal.

Indeed, Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto are arguably the two most likely candidates to join Ronaldo in a front three, although they face competition from Joao Felix, Diogo Jota, Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Trincao.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda, who has reportedly agreed to join Chelsea from Sporting Lisbon, has been handed his first senior call-up and could make his debut in some capacity on Thursday.

Bruno Fernandes served a one-match ban when Portugal played out a 1-1 draw with Croatia in their last match in November, but the Manchester United man is available to return against Denmark and should start in midfield alongside Paris Saint-Germain duo Vitinha and Joao Neves.

While Diogo Dalot and Nuno Mendes operate as full-backs Ruben Dias could be partnered at the heart of defence by either Antonio Silva or Goncalo Inacio, protecting goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Dalot, A. Silva, Dias, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo