Portugal took a 2-1 lead over Denmark in the first half of their UEFA Nations League match at Parken in Copenhagen, with Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Ramos providing the goals in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence.
Cancelo opened the scoring in the 13th minute after being set up by Ramos, who has taken on the role of leading Portugal’s attack following Ronaldo’s departure from the squad.
The Manchester City defender lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to put Portugal ahead. beIN SPORTS described the finish as: “What a finish from Cancelo! He lifts it over the goalkeeper to give Portugal the lead!”
Denmark responded in the 23rd minute when Mikkel Damsgaard equalised with an excellent strike from inside the penalty area.
Portugal restored their advantage only three minutes later. Ramos exchanged passes with Bruno Fernandes before accelerating towards goal and finishing accurately into the net.
beIN SPORTS highlighted the move by saying: “Goncalo starts it and Ramos finishes it!”
Portugal went into Thursday’s match top of Group Four in League A of the UEFA Nations League, having collected six points from victories over Wales and Norway. Denmark began the game with three points.
Ronaldo left the Portugal squad after tensions with the coaching staff, following his omission from the team for the previous match against Norway. Media reports have since suggested that the 41-year-old could be coming to the end of his international career.
The match in Copenhagen marks Portugal’s first fixture since Ronaldo’s departure from the squad, while Ramos has taken a prominent role in attack by contributing to both goals before half-time.
Portugal’s opening goal came as the team sought to maintain its perfect start in the competition. Denmark’s equaliser briefly cancelled out that advantage, but Ramos quickly restored Portugal’s lead with a goal created through his combination with Bruno Fernandes.