Denmark welcome Portugal to Parken for an important match in Nations League Group A4. The hosts picked up their first victory against Wales, while Portugal arrive in Copenhagen with six points from their opening two matches.

Denmark responded against Wales

Denmark began their campaign with a 3–2 defeat away to Norway. They recovered from a two-goal deficit in Oslo, but Erling Haaland’s second goal eventually decided the match.

Brian Riemer’s team produced a much better performance against Wales three days later. Denmark controlled the game, created plenty of chances and secured a comfortable 2–0 victory at Parken.

Gustav Isaksen was among the goals, while the Danish midfield prevented Wales from building any attacking rhythm. The result continued Denmark’s strong home record and showed how difficult they can be to face in Copenhagen.

Denmark will still be missing several players. Andreas Christensen, Alexander Bah, Kasper Dolberg and Albert Grønbæk are unavailable, while Patrick Dorgu was forced off against Wales. Those absences could be important against a Portugal team with plenty of attacking quality.

Portugal have made the perfect start

Portugal opened their Nations League campaign with a narrow 1–0 victory over Wales. They followed that result with a 2–1 win away to Norway, giving Jorge Jesus six points from his first two competitive matches as manager.

João Félix has scored in both matches and has become an important part of Portugal’s attack. Gonçalo Ramos also found the net against Norway, while players such as Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto and Rafael Leão provide further options going forward.

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal camp following reported disagreement with the manager, but the team has already shown that it can win without relying on him. Portugal played with greater movement in attack against Norway and created several good chances against a difficult opponent.

Portugal have the stronger squad

Denmark’s victory over Wales should not be ignored, especially at Parken. However, Portugal represent a significant step up in quality.

The visitors have one of the strongest squads in Europe and can make changes without weakening the team too much. João Neves and João Palhinha give Portugal control in midfield, while Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes provide experience at the back.

Denmark can cause problems through Rasmus Højlund, Mikkel Damsgaard and Isaksen, but their injuries could make it difficult to maintain the same intensity throughout the match.

Portugal were not completely convincing against either Wales or Norway, but they still found a way to win both games. That ability to decide close matches could be important again in Copenhagen.

Portugal can continue their winning start

This should be Portugal’s most difficult match of the campaign so far. Denmark are strong at home and will take confidence from their performance against Wales.

However, Portugal have already won away in Norway and have more attacking options than the hosts. If the visitors control the midfield and avoid giving Denmark easy opportunities from set pieces, they should create enough chances to take all three points.

Denmark are capable of scoring, but Portugal’s greater quality should eventually make the difference. A 2–1 away victory looks like a realistic result.

Verdict

Denmark should make this a competitive match, particularly in front of their home supporters at Parken. Their injury problems are a concern, however, and Portugal have started the group with two victories.

The visitors have more quality across the pitch and should continue their perfect start in Copenhagen.

Tip

Portugal to win