Portugal overcome Denmark as Ronaldo controversy shadows Nations League win
Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen after twice surrendering a lead, securing a third victory in Jorge Jesus’s first three matches as coach. The result came amid continuing attention on Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the team’s training camp after being told he would not start.
Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen on Thursday to record a third victory from Jorge Jesus’s first three matches as coach, despite the disruption caused by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the squad’s training camp. Joao Cancelo opened the scoring after 13 minutes, but Denmark responded when Mikkel Damsgaard curled in an equaliser 10 minutes later. Goncalo Ramos restored Portugal’s advantage two minutes after that with a near-post finish.
The hosts levelled again early in the second half through Rasmus Hojlund. Portugal then moved back in front in the 57th minute, when Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha scored with a header. Joao Felix completed the scoring three minutes from time, finishing a swift counter-attack to give Portugal a two-goal victory.
The visitors held on after Denmark had twice fought back from behind. The match had been preceded by intense focus on Ronaldo’s absence. The 41-year-old Portugal record goalscorer left the team’s camp on Wednesday after Jesus announced that he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo said on Instagram that he had decided to leave after speaking with the Portuguese Football Federation president and following the coach’s press conference. He said he would explain his reasons to the Portuguese public “in due course”. Jesus said before the match that his team needed to focus on the game.
He added afterward that there would be time to discuss the situation. Ronaldo had remained on the bench for Portugal’s previous Nations League win, a 2-1 victory in Norway, after captaining the side in a 1-0 home win over Wales.
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