Portugal begin post-Ronaldo era with Cancelo goal and Ramos winner against Denmark

Portugal made a winning start to life without Cristiano Ronaldo as Joao Cancelo scored and Goncalo Ramos both created and finished a goal in their Nations League match against Denmark.

Cancelo gave Portugal the lead in the 13th minute during Thursday evening’s League A Group D fixture at Parken in Copenhagen. The full-back lifted the ball over the goalkeeper after being set up by Ramos, who has taken over as the focal point of Portugal’s attack.

Denmark responded 10 minutes later when Mikkel Damsgaard equalised with an excellent finish from inside the penalty area.

Portugal quickly restored their advantage, with Ramos putting them 2-1 ahead in the 25th minute. He exchanged passes with Bruno Fernandes before making a rapid run towards goal and completing the move with a precise shot into the net.

The visitors had been the stronger side during the opening half, but Denmark’s equaliser briefly threatened to change the momentum before Ramos struck again.

Ronaldo had left the Portugal squad after a dispute with the coaching staff over his absence from the previous match against Norway. Reports in the Portuguese media have suggested the 2016 European champions could be coming to the end of his international career.

Portugal began the match top of League A Group D with six points, having beaten Wales and Norway in their opening two games. Denmark started Thursday’s contest with three points.