Portugal delivered an excellent attacking performance without Cristiano Ronaldo, beating Denmark 4-2 at Parken Stadium to maintain their 100 per cent start in the UEFA Nations League.
Cristiano Ronaldo sensationally left the squad this week after a falling out with coach Jorge Jesus, seemingly bringing an end to his storied international career. The drama around Portugal’s record goalscorer understandably overshadowed the buildup, but it had no impact on the team’s performance, which again illustrated how well they can play without him.
Portugal had beaten Norway 2-1 with Ronaldo left on the bench, and they took the lead in the 13th minute through Joao Cancelo. Mikola Balakin took charge of the match at Parken Stadium.
Mikkel Damsgaard equalised in sublime fashion 10 minutes later, only for Goncalo Ramos to restore Portugal’s advantage soon after.
Rasmus Hojlund drew Denmark level for a second time eight minutes into the second half, but Vitinha’s first goal for Portugal restored the lead, and Joao Felix, a teammate of Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, doubled it late on.
The defending Nations League champions now hold a lead of six points at the top of Group 4 in League A.
Ramos came close to breaking the deadlock when his snap shot hit the post, but he turned provider moments later. His return ball found Barcelona defender Cancelo, whose lofted finish over Mads Hermansen belied his position as a defender.
Rafael Leao was then denied by Hermansen and saw an effort from close range deflected wide.
Denmark made sure his profligacy was punished as Damsgaard bent a finish into the far corner to restore parity, but the equaliser proved short lived.
A slick exchange with Bruno Fernandes sent Ramos through on goal, and the AC Milan striker made no mistake with a calm low finish.
Only a reflex save by Hermansen with his legs prevented Ramos from making it 3-1 shortly before half time, following good work from Leao.
Denmark squared the game again in superb fashion with a move that began deep inside their own half. Damsgaard found Hojlund with an outstanding pass, and the Napoli forward kept his nerve to casually dink the ball over Diogo Costa.
Ramos then fired over from a clever Fernandes pass, before Ruben Neves was denied at the near post by Hermansen.
Fernandes earned reward for another excellent ball into the box as Vitinha timed his run perfectly, meeting the delivery with a fine header into the bottom corner to get off the mark for his country and put Portugal ahead for a third time.
The finishing touch arrived in the 87th minute. Felix scored for the third game in a row for his country with a deflected strike after Diogo Dalot laid the ball off, following a wonderfully crafted Portugal break.
Portugal’s victory leaves them with a lead of six points at the top of Group 4 in League A, and it underlined their ability to perform without Ronaldo after this week’s dramatic exit. Denmark twice fought back to level the match, but they could not contain Portugal’s attack in the closing stages.
