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Ronaldo-less Portugal thrashed 4-1 by Denmark in the Nations League

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Sports Desk

In Short: Ronaldo's exit from the national team was marked by a contentious row with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over his selection for a previous Nations League fixture.

Portugal vs Denmark Highlights | UEFA Nations League. FOX Sports

Portugal paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo before kickoff, with the team and mascots wearing his number seven and name on their jerseys. Ronaldo, who announced his retirement last week, made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and went on to set world records for goals and appearances in international football.

Ronaldo's exit from the national team was marked by a contentious row with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over his selection for a previous Nations League fixture. This dispute led to Ronaldo being suspended and ultimately retiring from international football.

Denmark's victory brings them closer to a quarterfinal spot, with nine points from five fixtures, three behind Portugal who had already qualified for the last eight.

The match began poorly for Portugal, with Denmark taking the lead through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's spot-kick in the 43rd minute. Hojlund's brace further sealed the Danes' dominance.

Ronaldo's retirement marks the end of a remarkable 23-year journey with Portugal, during which he captained the team to their first European Championship title in 2016 and helped them win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo's decision to retire was preceded by a conversation with the national team's president and coach, Jorge Jesus, who reportedly believed he had a better option to start than Ronaldo.

Ronaldo's retirement announcement came amid weeks of controversy and a reported fallout with national team coach Jorge Jesus, who moved Goncalo Ramos into the striker role in his place.

What this adds

What's confirmed

• Ahead of kickoff, Portugal paid tribute to Ronaldo, who announced his exit from the international game last week, with the team and mascots walking out wearing Ronaldo’s number seven and his name on their jerseys.
• Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and went on to establish world records for goals and appearances in international football, netting 146 times in 234 matches.
• That row led to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner being handed a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese football federation and his subsequent retirement, and Portugal, in a dismal display, looked like they needed prime Ronaldo.
• The Danes are on nine points from five fixtures, three behind Portugal, who were already sure of qualification for the last eight having won all four of their previous group fixtures.
• Portugal have been hammered 1-4 by Denmark, an embarrassing Nations League defeat in their first match without Cristiano Ronaldo, following the superstar forward’s retirement from international football.
• A draw against third-placed Norway on Tuesday, 3-1 winners over Wales earlier, will see Denmark through.
• Denmark were the better team from the first minute, and it was no surprise when the away team went in at the break thanks to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s spot-kick in the 43rd minute.

What's still developing

• The big loss was recorded in the first game Portugal played without record goal scorer Cristiano Ronaldo who announced his retirement earlier this month.
• "We couldn't impose ourselves on the game in the first half," said Portugal goalscorer Rafael Leao.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has called for the Saudi Pro League to ban fans for life after appalling Diogo Jota chants were aimed at Ruben Neves on Saturday.
• "That is one of the great goals you will see… I was going to say Champions League football, but, basically, football," said Pat Nevin in BBC Radio 5 Live commentary In 2018 came one of the most iconic moments of Ronaldo's career, maybe the greatest Champions League goal ever scored.
• “I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head,” Ronaldo said after Portugal’s defeat, prompting speculation that he could follow long-time rival Lionel Messi and bring his international career to an end.

Sources

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• PM News Nigerialink
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• FOX Sports — video link
• DAZN Football — video link
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• CBS Sports Golazo — video link
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• ESPN UK — video link