Denmark crush Portugal 4-1 in first match without Ronaldo

Denmark crashed Portugal’s farewell tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo in Braga on Saturday night, routing the hosts 4-1 in their Uefa Nations League clash, according to BBC Sport, cited by Yahoo Sports.

Napoli striker Rasmus Hojlund netted twice in the second half to spoil Portugal’s first outing since their longtime captain quit international football.

Supporters had arrived expecting a celebration after the 41-year-old announced his retirement in a social media video last week.

Every Portuguese player and mascot walked out wearing a “Ronaldo 7” shirt, while fans spelled out “Ronaldo” on the upper stand and “GOAT” underneath alongside a banner reading “thank you, captain”.

Those warm tributes faded quickly once the match kicked off. Just before half-time, Ruben Dias handled the ball in the area, and former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg converted the penalty to put Denmark ahead.

Denmark runs riot

After the break, the visitors tore Portugal apart. Hojlund fired in two goals within eight minutes, and Fulham defender Joachim Andersen nodded home a fourth at the 75-minute mark.

Real Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva pulled one goal back from close range deep into stoppage time after Joao Neves saw a shot blocked. Still, the scoreline stung.

The heavy loss capped a rocky end to Ronaldo’s international career.

Since debuting in 2003, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner set world records with 146 goals in 234 appearances, BBC Sport noted.

A rocky goodbye

Trouble had already erupted in September when coaches told Ronaldo he would not start an earlier match against Denmark.

He walked out of the national camp, triggering a £215 fine and a 30-day ban. Even so, manager Jorge Jesus insisted he would have picked the veteran forward for this November squad.

Despite Saturday’s collapse, Portugal had already locked up a Nations League quarter-final spot by winning their opening four group matches, according to BBC Sport.

They now travel to Cardiff to face Wales on Tuesday, 17 November, needing at least a draw to finish top of the group.

Denmark sit three points clear in second place and return home to host Norway that same evening.

This article is made and published by Christine Drews Sieger, who may have used AI in the preparation