Neves reveals half-time confidence before Portugal collapse against Denmark

Ruben Neves says Portugal must accept responsibility for their mistakes after a 4-1 defeat by Denmark left their hopes of finishing top of their UEFA Nations League group dependent on a strong response against Wales.

Portugal suffered their first loss in the group in the fifth and penultimate round of matches in Path One, despite trailing by only one goal at half-time. Neves said the players had believed they could turn the game around because of the quality in their squad, but Denmark’s two quick goals after the interval changed the contest.

“We had to come out strongly in the second half, but we conceded two goals in a row,” Neves told RTP, in comments reported by Record.

The Al Hilal midfielder started at Braga Stadium on the night Cristiano Ronaldo was honoured following his retirement from international football. Neves was substituted in the 64th minute and acknowledged that his own performance had not been good enough.

He said Denmark had begun the match with intensity and sustained pressure, while Portugal struggled to compete in individual duels. Denmark took the lead from a penalty before scoring twice early in the second half, making a comeback increasingly difficult.

“At half-time, the match was still close and we spoke with confidence about turning it around because of the quality we have in the team,” Neves said.

“But we conceded two quick goals after the break. That made us lose our balance and opened the way to a heavy defeat. We conceded goals that we cannot concede.”

Neves was particularly frustrated by Denmark’s third goal, which came from a free-kick in the middle of the pitch and followed only two touches. He said the goal highlighted errors that Portugal could and should correct.

The midfielder called for the players to take responsibility rather than search for excuses.

“We have to take responsibility for our mistakes. We are men capable of accepting them and coming back in the next match,” he said.

Portugal face Wales on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, in the final round of the group stage. Neves described the game as important as his side seek to secure first place and said they must produce a strong reaction.

“We need to respond in the next match,” he said. “This was not at the level we expected or know we can reach. We have to work together and correct our defensive mistakes.”

Jorge Jesus’ Portugal remain top of the group with 12 points. Denmark moved on to nine points after their victory, while Norway climbed to six points by beating Wales 3-1 in the same round.

Portugal’s defeat was their first in the group, leaving the meeting with Wales as the opportunity to confirm their position at the summit.