Portugal responded to the sudden departure of Cristiano Ronaldo by beating Denmark 4-2 at Parken in Copenhagen on Thursday, maintaining their perfect start to the Nations League group stage.
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp on Wednesday after a reported disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus over his omission against Norway. His absence placed the focus firmly on whether Portugal could cope without their long-serving captain.
The result moved Portugal to nine points from three matches and strengthened their position at the top of the group, leaving them close to qualifying for the next round.
Denmark remain second despite a negative goal difference of -1, having scored six and conceded seven. Norway are third, while Wales sit bottom.
Portugal made the faster start and took the lead when Joao Cancelo finished neatly after a spell of early pressure. Denmark quickly levelled through Mikkel Damsgaard, who converted after a well-worked move created by Mohamed Daramy.
The visitors restored their advantage before half-time through Goncalo Ramos, who started as Ronaldo’s direct replacement in the line-up. Portugal went into the interval ahead after enjoying a slight edge in possession and attacking threat, although Denmark continued to pose a danger.
Bruno Fernandes was denied by an excellent save soon after the restart as Portugal looked to extend their lead. Denmark responded with a well-organised counter-attack, and Rasmus Hojlund equalised after being set up by Damsgaard.
Hojlund then celebrated by copying Ronaldo’s trademark “Siiiu” celebration, a moment that provoked a strong reaction inside the Parken stands and added to the tension between the sides.
Denmark pushed hard for a third goal and substitute Gustav Isaksen went close, but Portugal remained dangerous on the break through Fernandes and Rafael Leao. Vitinha restored Portugal’s lead with his first international goal, heading home after another swift counter-attack.
Portugal brought on Trincao as they sought to increase the attacking pressure. Ramos came close to scoring again when his powerful effort struck a defender, while Denmark’s defence struggled during the final 15 minutes.
The closing stages became increasingly intense as Denmark committed players forward in search of another equaliser. Mohamed Daramy was booked for a late challenge on Fernandes, while Portugal survived a major scare when Ruben Neves was penalised for a heavy tackle. VAR reviewed the incident, but the referee kept the decision at a yellow card and did not go to the monitor.
Portugal made a double substitution, sending on Joao Neves and Joao Felix for Pedro Neto and Ramos. The move paid off in the 87th minute when Felix finished a swift counter-attack to make it 4-2.
The goal ended Denmark’s late revival and completed a significant victory for Portugal, who showed they could produce a convincing result despite the disruption surrounding Ronaldo’s departure and the dispute involving Jorge Jesus.
