The rivalry between the Portugal national football team and the Denmark national football team spans decades. These two European football giants have faced each other in several memorable matches. Every game brought excitement, drama, and moments that fans remember for years. This article explores the full timeline of matches between Portugal and Denmark, highlighting key events, players, and turning points in their football history.
First Meeting: 1976 UEFA Euro Qualifiers
Portugal and Denmark first clashed on October 12, 1975, during the 1976 UEFA European Championship qualifiers.
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
- Result: Portugal 2 – 1 Denmark
Portugal secured the win with goals from Rui Jordão and Nené. This match marked the beginning of a competitive rivalry. Denmark showed potential, but Portugal dominated with strong home support.
1980s: Growing Rivalry
The 1980s saw both teams improve. They met several times in friendlies and qualifiers. Denmark began to rise with the “Danish Dynamite” generation.
Key Match in the 1982 World Cup Qualifiers:
- Date: October 14, 1981
- Venue: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Result: Denmark 2 – 2 Portugal
This draw showed how evenly matched both teams had become. Preben Elkjær and Michael Laudrup starred for Denmark, while Portugal relied on Chalana and Gomes.
1990s: Competitive Balance
The 1990s brought tactical football. Both teams qualified for major tournaments and often battled in tight encounters.
Notable Encounters:
- Euro 1996 Qualifiers
- March 29, 1995: Portugal 1 – 1 Denmark
- September 6, 1995: Denmark 1 – 1 Portugal
These two draws reflected the balanced nature of their rivalry. Neither side could break the deadlock in both legs.
Early 2000s: Portugal’s Rise
Portugal grew stronger with the emergence of players like Luís Figo, Deco, and later Cristiano Ronaldo. Denmark remained competitive with stars like Jon Dahl Tomasson and Thomas Sørensen.
2002 World Cup Qualifiers:
- October 11, 2000: Denmark 4 – 2 Portugal
- October 6, 2001: Portugal 1 – 1 Denmark
Denmark shocked Portugal with a strong home performance in 2000. Portugal struggled defensively but improved in the return leg.
Euro 2012 Qualifying Campaign: Fierce Battles
The Euro 2012 qualifying campaign reignited the rivalry.
Two Crucial Games:
- September 8, 2010 – Portugal 3 – 1 Denmark
- October 11, 2011 – Denmark 2 – 1 Portugal
Portugal impressed in the first match with goals from Nani and Ronaldo. In the second game, Denmark fought back and topped the group. Both teams qualified, but Denmark won the group.
UEFA Euro 2012: Group of Death
The UEFA Euro 2012 finals brought them together again. They met in Group B, alongside Germany and the Netherlands.
Match Details:
- Date: June 13, 2012
- Venue: Arena Lviv, Ukraine
- Result: Portugal 3 – 2 Denmark
Portugal led 2-0 through goals from Pepe and Postiga. Denmark equalized with Nicklas Bendtner’s brace. Silvestre Varela scored late to win it for Portugal. This victory was crucial for Portugal’s progress to the semi-finals.
Euro 2016 Qualifiers: Portugal Dominates
Portugal and Denmark met again during the Euro 2016 qualifiers. Portugal, led by Ronaldo, showed dominance.
Two Matches:
- October 14, 2014 – Denmark 0 – 1 Portugal
- Ronaldo scored a last-minute header.
- October 8, 2015 – Portugal 1 – 0 Denmark
- João Moutinho netted the winner in a tight game.
Portugal topped the group. Denmark entered the playoffs but failed to qualify. Portugal later won Euro 2016, their first major title.
Head-to-Head Record Summary
Here’s a quick look at the overall head-to-head record between Portugal and Denmark (as of 2023):
| Matches Played | Portugal Wins | Denmark Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
Portugal has a slight edge. However, Denmark has pulled off key victories, especially at home.
Memorable Players in the Rivalry
Portugal:
- Cristiano Ronaldo – Scored key goals and led from the front.
- Luis Figo – Dictated midfield in the early 2000s.
- Pepe – Solid defender during Euro 2012.
Denmark:
- Nicklas Bendtner – Scored a brace in Euro 2012.
- Michael Laudrup – Created magic in the 1980s.
- Peter Schmeichel – Commanded the goal in the 1990s.
Timeline Recap: Major Matches Between Portugal and Denmark
Here’s a chronological timeline of major matchups:
- 1975 – Portugal 2-1 Denmark (Euro Qualifier)
- 1981 – Denmark 2-2 Portugal (World Cup Qualifier)
- 1995 – Portugal 1-1 Denmark, Denmark 1-1 Portugal (Euro Qualifiers)
- 2000 – Denmark 4-2 Portugal (World Cup Qualifier)
- 2001 – Portugal 1-1 Denmark (World Cup Qualifier)
- 2010 – Portugal 3-1 Denmark (Euro Qualifier)
- 2011 – Denmark 2-1 Portugal (Euro Qualifier)
- 2012 – Portugal 3-2 Denmark (Euro Finals)
- 2014 – Denmark 0-1 Portugal (Euro Qualifier)
- 2015 – Portugal 1-0 Denmark (Euro Qualifier)
Style of Play: Contrasting Philosophies
Portugal prefers possession, quick passes, and creative midfield play. They rely on individual brilliance, especially from Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva in recent years.
Denmark plays a disciplined game. They focus on team shape, pressing, and counter-attacks. Their physical strength and tactical organization make them tough opponents.
Coaches Who Made the Difference
Portugal:
- Luiz Felipe Scolari – Led Portugal to Euro 2004 final.
- Fernando Santos – Won Euro 2016 and Nations League.
- Roberto Martínez – Current coach with new attacking vision.
Denmark:
- Morten Olsen – Managed Denmark for over a decade.
- Åge Hareide – Revived Denmark’s competitiveness.
- Kasper Hjulmand – Took Denmark to Euro 2020 semi-finals.
Both teams have talented young players. Future fixtures could happen in Nations League, World Cup, or Euro tournaments.
Rising Stars:
- Portugal: Rafael Leão, João Félix, Vitinha
- Denmark: Rasmus Højlund, Mikkel Damsgaard, Andreas Skov Olsen
Fans can expect technical football, tactical battles, and exciting goals.
Why This Rivalry Matters
- Competitive history: Matches often decide group winners.
- Star power: World-class players from both sides.
- Close results: Many games end in draws or one-goal wins.
- Fan passion: Portuguese and Danish fans show strong support.
Conclusion
The Portugal national football team vs Denmark national football team timeline tells the story of two strong European sides. From their first clash in 1975 to their Euro 2012 thriller, each game added a new chapter to this rivalry. Both teams have had highs and lows, but their encounters remain memorable.
