Portugal began life after Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement with a heavy defeat on home soil, losing 4–1 to Denmark at the Estádio Municipal de Braga on Saturday night in the fifth round of Nations League group matches.
A draw would have secured top spot for Portugal after four wins from four, including a 4–2 victory over Denmark in Copenhagen. The defending champions had already booked their place in the quarter-finals, but their first defeat of the campaign leaves the group lead up for grabs on the final matchday.
Jorge Jesus fielded most of his regular starters, including Diogo Costa, Rúben Dias, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes. Gonçalo Ramos led the line alongside João Félix and Pedro Neto. Alberto Costa made his debut at right-back with João Cancelo suspended, while Rafael Leão missed out through injury and Bernardo Silva started on the bench.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute after a VAR review spotted a handball by Dias. Rasmus Højlund struck twice in seven minutes after the break, first volleying home in the 50th minute after Mikkel Damsgaard played him in behind the Portuguese defence, then scoring again in the 57th.
Joachim Andersen headed in Denmark’s fourth from a Mathias Jensen free-kick in the 75th minute. Some Portugal fans began leaving before the final whistle, while others chanted Ronaldo’s name. They had applauded in the seventh minute when his image appeared on the stadium screen. Portugal’s new captain, Bernardo Silva, scored their only goal in the 94th minute.
Carlos Forbs wore the No. 7 shirt and replaced João Félix in the second half, nine days after Ronaldo announced his international retirement. The former captain scored 146 goals in 234 appearances across 23 years, winning Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.
Portugal remain top of League A’s Group 4 with 12 points, ahead of Denmark on nine and Norway on six. Norway beat Wales 3–1 in Oslo, leaving the Welsh bottom on three points and certain to finish fourth because of Norway’s superior head-to-head record.
Portugal round off the group stage against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, 17 November, with kick-off at 10:45 p.m. Mecca time. Dias will miss the match through suspension. A draw will secure first place, and Portugal can still finish top with a defeat if Denmark fail to beat Norway. If Portugal and Denmark finish level on 12 points, Denmark will take top spot on head-to-head goal difference.
Denmark host Norway at the same time in a match that will decide the second quarter-final berth. A draw is enough for Denmark. Norway need a win to draw level on nine points and move ahead of the Danes, having beaten them in both meetings in that scenario.
