Denmark stun Portugal as Ronaldo’s final international night ends in 4-1 defeat

Portugal’s first match since Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international football ended in a heavy 4-1 home defeat by Denmark in the Nations League, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring twice in Braga.

The result spoiled an evening of tributes to Ronaldo and put pressure on Jorge Jesus and his players, despite Portugal remaining top of League A Group Four on 12 points.

Denmark are three points behind in second, while Norway are third on six points after beating Wales 3-1 in Oslo. Wales remain bottom on three points.

One league-phase round remains, with Wales hosting Portugal and Denmark facing Norway on Tuesday.

Portugal’s players wore shirts carrying Ronaldo’s name and number seven during the national anthem in front of a packed stadium. Supporters also displayed a banner saying “Obrigado, capi7ao” – “Thank you, captain” – alongside images of Ronaldo lifting the European Championship and Nations League trophies.

Ronaldo announced his international retirement on social media last week after a public disagreement with manager Jesus.

Portugal controlled much of the opening half in heavy rain but conceded just before the interval. Hojlund initially had a header ruled out after Joachim Andersen was penalised for a foul in the build-up, before another header struck Ruben Dias’ hand.

Following a VAR review and a pitchside check, Denmark were awarded a penalty. Captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg sent the ball into the top-right corner.

Hojlund extended Denmark’s lead five minutes into the second half, moving behind the defence to meet a right-wing cross with a powerful volley.

The striker added another seven minutes later, cutting inside Renato Veiga during a counter-attack before beating Diogo Costa with a right-footed finish from the edge of the area.

Andersen made it 4-0 in the 75th minute when he rose to meet Mathias Jensen’s free-kick from the right and headed firmly into the net.

Bernardo Silva scored Portugal’s consolation three minutes into added time, finishing from close range after Denmark’s goalkeeper had parried the ball.

“Practically everything went wrong for us. It’s actually hard to find an explanation,” Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha told Portuguese broadcaster Sport TV.

“It was an unlucky night for us; we made it far too easy for our opponents. We’ve got a match on Tuesday, so we’ve got until then to reflect about what happened today. But I have no doubt whatsoever that we’ll bounce back and secure top spot in the group in Wales.”

Norway’s victory over Wales was settled by three second-half goals at Ullevaal Stadion.

After a subdued first half, Antonio Nusa broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with a half-volley from the edge of the area after Wales had only partially cleared a corner.

Andreas Schjelderup doubled Norway’s lead two minutes after coming on. Nusa raced down the left before finding Erling Haaland, who squared the ball for Schjelderup to tap in at the far post.

David Brooks gave Wales hope in the 79th minute by running on to a through ball and chipping the advancing goalkeeper under pressure from a defender.

Norway restored their two-goal advantage six minutes later when Connor Roberts fouled Schjelderup inside the area. Haaland converted the resulting penalty in the 88th minute.