Portugal begin post-Cristiano Ronaldo era with dramatic Nations League win in Denmark

Portugal overcame the turmoil surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from their camp to beat Denmark 4-2 at Parken in Copenhagen on Thursday, maintaining their perfect start to the Nations League group stage.

The victory came in Portugal’s first significant test without their long-serving captain. Ronaldo left the squad unexpectedly on Wednesday after a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus over his omission from the match against Norway.

Portugal now lead the group with nine points from three wins and are closing in on qualification for the next round. Denmark remain second on goal difference despite a -1 record, having scored six and conceded seven. Norway are third, while Wales sit bottom.

Portugal made the quicker start and took the lead when Joao Cancelo finished with a fine touch. Denmark responded through Mikkel Damsgaard, who converted after an excellent move created by Mohamed Daramy.

The hosts did not enjoy parity for long. Goncalo Ramos, selected as Ronaldo’s direct replacement in the starting XI, restored Portugal’s advantage before half-time. The visitors had the greater share of possession and posed the more consistent threat, although Denmark continued to create openings.

Portugal almost extended their lead early in the second half when Bruno Fernandes was denied by the Denmark goalkeeper. The hosts punished that miss soon afterwards, with Rasmus Højlund finishing a swift counter-attack set up by Damsgaard.

Højlund celebrated by copying Ronaldo’s trademark “Siiiu” routine, provoking a noisy reaction around Parken and adding an extra edge to the contest.

Denmark then pushed hard for a first lead. Substitute Gustav Isaksen missed a clear opportunity, while Portugal looked to break quickly through Fernandes and Rafael Leao.

With Denmark appearing increasingly likely to score again, Vitinha put Portugal back in front. Bruno had failed to make the most of a precise cross during another counter, but Vitinha followed up with a header for his first international goal.

Portugal brought on Trincao as they sought to increase the attacking pressure, and Denmark’s defence struggled during the final 15 minutes. Ramos came close to scoring again when his powerful shot struck a defender.

The game became increasingly tense as Denmark subjected Portugal to sustained pressure in search of another equaliser. Portugal’s best outlet was the pace of counter-attacks led by Vitinha and Fernandes.

Mohamed Daramy was booked for a late challenge on Fernandes. Portugal also survived a nervous moment when a forceful challenge by Ruben Neves was reviewed by VAR. The referee ultimately showed Neves a yellow card rather than a red.

Portugal made a double change, introducing Joao Neves and Joao Felix for Pedro Neto and Ramos. The move paid off in the 87th minute, when Felix finished a classic counter-attack to make it 4-2.

His goal ended Denmark’s late fightback and gave Portugal an emphatic victory in their first major post-Ronaldo challenge.