Portugal opened life after Cristiano Ronaldo with a 4-1 home defeat against Denmark at the Braga Municipal Stadium on Sunday dropping their first points in the UEFA Nations League group stage, [detikSport] reported.
Bruno Fernandes captained the side in place of Ronaldo, as manager Jorge Jesus deployed an attack featuring Goncalo Ramos flanked by Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, and Bruno Fernandes, according to [goal.com] and [detikSport].
The heavy loss leaves Portugal atop Group 4 with 12 points from five matches, while Denmark climbed to nine points in second place, reducing the gap between the two sides to three points, according to [detikSport].
Portugal began the contest with noticeable composure and a slow tempo, struggling to impose possession or cleanly exit their own half while Denmark threatened early through Gustav Isaksen and Kasper Hjulmand within the opening five minutes, [goal.com] noted.
A scoreless first 43 minutes preceded the breakthrough when Ruben Dias conceded a penalty for a handball from a Rasmus Hojlund header, [detikSport] reported. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg converted the spot-kick high past Diogo Costa to give Denmark the lead right before halftime, [goal.com] noted.
Earlier, Vitinha and Neto tested goalkeeper Mads Hermansen with long-range efforts, and Joao Felix had a header saved in the 28th minute, while Denmark had an opening goal by Hojlund ruled out for an earlier offside in the 38th minute, [goal.com] and [detikSport] reported.
Hojlund Drives Second-Half Rout
Denmark capitalized on defensive errors after the break, as Rasmus Hojlund struck twice to put the visitors firmly in control. Mikkel Damsgaard crossed for Hojlund to sweep home a first-time shot on 50 minutes, and the striker added his second seven minutes later by rounding Renato Veiga and Costa, [detikSport] reported.
Hojlund latched onto a through ball from Hojbjerg for his second strike, benefiting from Dias playing him onside, according to [goal.com].
Joachim Andersen added a fourth in the 75th minute by heading in a free-kick from Mathias Jensen, [detikSport] noted. Bernardo Silva scored a consolation goal for Portugal in stoppage time by converting a rebound after Mads Hermansen saved a shot from Joao Neves, according to [detikSport]. Before that fourth goal, Ruben Neves forced a difficult save from Hermansen, and Neto sent the rebound over the crossbar, [goal.com] added.
Portugal Struggled with Possession and Faced Player Suspensions
Manager Jorge Jesus deployed Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, and Goncalo Ramos, but Portugal struggled to control possession early on, goal.com reported. Dias picked up a yellow card early in the second half that rules him out of Portugal’s final group match against Wales, [goal.com] added.
Following the goals, Jesus made a triple substitution introducing Joao Palhinha, Trincao, and Carlos Forbs—who inherited the number 7 shirt—followed later by Joao Neves and Bernardo Silva, [goal.com] and [detikSport] noted.
Following the defeat, the Portuguese Football Federation announced it has redesigned the iconic number 7 shirt as a permanent tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following his international retirement, ANTARA News Sultra reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international football?
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team on Thursday, November 5, 2026, ending a 23-year career with the Selecao, [VIVA.co.id] reported.
Who scored Portugal’s only goal in the match against Denmark?
Bernardo Silva scored Portugal’s sole goal in the 91st minute at the Braga Municipal Stadium, [detikSport] reported.
Who are Portugal and Denmark playing next in the UEFA Nations League?
Portugal will conclude its group stage campaign against Wales, while group standings show Portugal leading with 12 points and Denmark holding nine points, [goal.com] and [detikSport] reported.
Earlier coverage: Portugal Humiliated by Denmark 4-1 in First Nations League Match Without Cristiano Ronaldo
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