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Portugal lose 4-1 to Denmark in first match after Ronaldo retirement

Summarised from 3 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 22:19 · Archive

Portugal lost 4-1 to Denmark in their first Nations League match since Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football.

Portugal were defeated 4-1 by Denmark in their first Nations League Group A4 match since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football last week. Rasmus Hojlund was the standout performer, scoring twice after Denmark took the lead through a 43rd-minute penalty from Pierre-Emile Hojberg. Hojlund added two further goals, the first in the 46th minute and the second in the 54th minute, before Joachim Andersen scored a fourth in the 75th minute. Bernardo Silva found the back of the net late in the match, but the goal came too late to alter the outcome.

Portugal's defeat came despite the team having already secured qualification for the Nations League quarterfinals. Playing at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, the hosts had won all four of their previous group fixtures and entered Saturday's match needing only a draw to confirm top spot in Group A4. Denmark, by contrast, had won just two of their opening four matches and sat second in the standings on six points.

Ahead of kickoff, Portugal paid an emotional tribute to Ronaldo, who had announced his retirement from international football the previous week. The entire squad walked out wearing Ronaldo's number seven shirt and his name on their jerseys, with UEFA granting special permission for the coordinated display. Supporters held up a large banner reading 'Thank you, captain' as the teams entered the field, and applause filled the stadium when the match clock reached seven minutes. Ronaldo had made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring 146 goals, winning Euro 2016 and earning five Ballon d'Or awards before his exit following a public dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.

Denmark's victory improved their record to nine points from five fixtures, leaving them three behind Portugal. The Danes can secure a quarterfinal berth with a draw against Norway on Tuesday, provided Norway do not lose their match against Wales. Portugal will determine their final group position in their closing fixture but have already qualified for the last eight.

Portugal's forwards Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix, who had been prominent in the team's previous victories, were unable to make a significant impact against the Danes. Jorge Jesus's side looked to lack their usual attacking cohesion during the match.

Portugal lose 4-1 to Denmark in first match after Ronaldo retirement
Image: Mirror Sport

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In this story: Portugal · Denmark · Cristiano Ronaldo · Rasmus Hojlund · Jorge Jesus · Braga · UEFA Nations League · Bernardo Silva

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