Goncalo Ramos took barely 45 minutes to show that Portugal can function without Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring one goal and creating another as the Nations League holders took control of their meeting with Denmark at Parken.
Ronaldo walked away from the squad this week following a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus, a decision that appeared to bring a decorated international career to a close. The story dominated the build up in Copenhagen, yet it did little to disturb the rhythm of Jesus’ players once the match got under way.
Ramos, who had been selected ahead of Ronaldo against Norway and was trusted to lead the line again, went close to breaking the deadlock when his quick shot came back off the post.
Seconds later he turned provider. The striker returned the ball to Joao Cancelo, and the Barcelona defender supplied a finish that few would expect from a man in his position, lifting a delicate effort over Mads Hermansen to put Portugal ahead in the 13th minute.
Rafael Leao then had opportunities to stretch the advantage. Hermansen kept him out once, and a subsequent attempt from close range was deflected wide.
Denmark made the most of that wastefulness. Mikkel Damsgaard bent a shot into the far corner to restore parity, though the scores were level for only a short while.
A sharp exchange with Bruno Fernandes sent Ramos through on goal, and the AC Milan forward finished with calm precision, rolling the ball low beyond Hermansen and illustrating why Portugal may be better off without their talisman, who is 41.
Only a reflex stop from Hermansen, saving with his legs, prevented Ramos from making it 3-1 shortly before the interval after further good work from Leao.
Portugal arrived in Copenhagen chasing a third win from as many games as they begin the defence of the Nations League title they won for a second time in 2025. With Ronaldo absent, they were on course to keep that perfect record intact.
Whatever lies ahead for Ronaldo, Portugal’s opening half in Copenhagen suggested the side can move forward without him, with Ramos leading the attack and the holders still on track for a flawless start to their title defence.
