Portugal’s post-Ronaldo era begins with heavy 4-1 defeat by Denmark

Portugal’s first match since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement ended in a chastening 4-1 defeat by Denmark in Braga in the fifth round of the Nations League group stage.

The visitors took control through a Pierre-Emile Højbjerg penalty just before half-time, before Rasmus Højlund scored twice after the break. Joachim Andersen added a fourth, with Bernardo Silva’s stoppage-time goal offering little consolation for Portugal.

Denmark moved on to nine points in second place in Group D, while Portugal remained top on 12 points. Portugal’s final match is against Wales on 17 November 2026, while Denmark are also listed to face Norway on that date.

The opening 43 minutes passed without a goal, although Denmark had already shown signs of danger. Portugal began slowly, with Bruno Fernandes positioned on the left and Joao Felix operating as the playmaker behind Goncalo Ramos. Jorge Jesus’ side struggled to retain possession and build cleanly from their own half.

Long-range efforts from Vitinha and Neto failed to trouble Denmark goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, but Portugal gradually improved and began to push the visitors back into their own half.

Denmark thought they had scored in the 38th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside against Mikkel Damsgaard earlier in the move. Moments later, Portugal’s problems deepened when Ruben Dias conceded a penalty for handling a Højlund header.

Diogo Costa guessed the direction of the spot-kick, but Højbjerg struck it powerfully and high into the net.

Dias was booked immediately after the restart, ruling him out of Portugal’s final game against Wales. The hosts then fell further behind in the 50th minute.

Damsgaard received the ball inside the area, turned and delivered towards the far post, where Højlund met it first time. Costa had no chance of keeping out the finish.

Portugal tried to respond when Ruben Neves unleashed a fierce effort, which Hermansen saved with difficulty. Neto then sent the rebound over the crossbar.

Højlund completed his second goal seven minutes later. After receiving possession in the attacking third, he shook off Renato Veiga before curling a right-footed shot into the far corner. Dias had played him on by remaining behind the rest of Portugal’s defensive line.

Jorge Jesus responded by making three substitutions at once, introducing Palhinha, Trincao and Carlos Forbs. Trincao sent his first effort over the bar after receiving the ball from Vitinha, while Forbs wore the number seven shirt, having also used it in a World Cup qualifying match against Armenia a year earlier.

There was no Portuguese revival, however. Denmark extended their lead 15 minutes before the end when Morten Hjulmand delivered a free-kick and Joachim Andersen rose to head an unstoppable effort into the net.

Portugal scored in the third minute of added time. Forbs advanced down the right and beat his marker before Hermansen parried Joao Neves’ shot from the centre of the area. Bernardo Silva reacted quickest to the rebound and finished into the net.