Portugal Routed 1-4 by Denmark in First Match After Ronaldo's International Retirement
On.cc · 3 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Portugal's first match following Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football ended in disappointment as they were thrashed 4-1 by Denmark at home in UEFA Nations League action on Sunday. The Portuguese Football Federation organized a heartfelt tribute ceremony for the 41-year-old legend, with players wearing his iconic No. 7 jersey and a video montage played at the 7th minute, but the evening concluded with the hosts suffering a heavy defeat that spoiled the celebration.
Key Points
- Portugal's players and mascot entered the stadium wearing Ronaldo's No. 7 jersey as a tribute to his 23-year international career
- Denmark opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time when Hjort converted a penalty after a handball decision in the box
- Rasmus Højlund, playing for Serie A side Napoli, scored twice within eight minutes early in the second half to extend Denmark's lead
- Joachim Andersen headed home in the 75th minute to make it 4-0 before Bernardo Silva scored a consolation goal for Portugal in stoppage time
- Portugal had already secured qualification with 12 points from four consecutive wins, sitting top of Group A4 ahead of Denmark (9 points) and Norway (6 points)
Why It Matters
The defeat highlights the challenge facing Portugal as they enter the post-Ronaldo era, with the team needing to develop new leadership and tactical approaches without their all-time leading scorer. Denmark's victory sets up a crucial showdown against Norway on Wednesday, with the winner likely claiming the second qualification spot from the group .
The defeat highlights the challenge facing Portugal as they enter the post-Ronaldo era, with the team needing to develop new leadership and tactical approaches without their all-time leading scorer. Denmark's victory sets up a crucial showdown against Norway on Wednesday, with the winner likely claiming the second qualification spot from the group .