Post-Ronaldo Portugal Aims to Extend Perfect Run Against Denmark
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 7 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Portugal officially begins its "post-Ronaldo era" on Saturday night as the Selecao host Denmark in UEFA Nations League Group A4 action at 03:45 HKT on November 15. The five-time World Player of the Year departed the national team last month after a public falling-out with head coach Jorge Jesus, who had asked him to leave camp midway through the international break. Despite losing their legendary figure, Portugal has continued to thrive, winning all four group matches to sit comfortably atop the standings with 12 points.
Key Points
- Portugal leads Group A4 with four consecutive victories after their 4-2 first-leg win over Denmark in Copenhagen
- Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus during the October break
- Goncalo Ramos has emerged as Portugal's new attacking focal point, scoring three goals in four Nations League appearances this campaign
- Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias remain key figures despite the squad featuring seven newcomers
- Denmark sits second with six points from wins over Wales but losses to Portugal and Norway
- The Danes face an uphill battle without injured defender Andreas Christensen and absent midfielder Christian Eriksen
Why It Matters
The match serves as a symbolic transition for Portuguese football, testing whether the team can maintain its elite status without the individual who defined an era. For Denmark, avoiding a second defeat to Portugal would be crucial for their chances of advancing to the Nations League finals, especially given Norway's looming threat in the group standings .
The match serves as a symbolic transition for Portuguese football, testing whether the team can maintain its elite status without the individual who defined an era. For Denmark, avoiding a second defeat to Portugal would be crucial for their chances of advancing to the Nations League finals, especially given Norway's looming threat in the group standings .