Denmark Thrash Portugal 4-1 in First Match Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s International Retirement

Portugal suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Denmark on Saturday in their first international match since Cristiano Ronaldo retired from national duty, as Rasmus Hojlund scored twice to put the visitors close to securing a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

Denmark dominated the Group A4 encounter in Braga, moving into second place with nine points from five matches. They trail Portugal by three points, but the hosts had already secured qualification for the last eight after winning their opening four fixtures.

Denmark now need only a draw against third-placed Norway on Tuesday to confirm their progress. Norway strengthened their position with a 3-1 victory over Wales on Saturday.

Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes described the defeat as an opportunity to learn from the team’s mistakes, while acknowledging Denmark’s clinical finishing.

“There are no nights to forget; it was a night of learning, of seeing the mistakes we made,” Fernandes said. “Denmark were also very clinical. They scored from the chances they had and it was a match where things ultimately went wrong for us.”

The match began with an emotional tribute to Ronaldo, who announced his international retirement last week. Portugal’s players and mascots walked onto the pitch wearing shirts bearing his name and number seven. Supporters displayed a large banner reading “Thank you captain”, while the stadium applauded when the match clock reached the seventh minute.

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and finished his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances, setting records for goals and matches at international level. His greatest achievement with the national team was winning Euro 2016.

His departure followed a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus over his omission from a Nations League fixture in September. The Portuguese football federation subsequently imposed a 30-day suspension on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Denmark took the lead shortly before half-time when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg converted a penalty in the 43rd minute. Hojlund then extended the advantage with a powerful volley four minutes after the restart.

The Napoli striker scored again in the 54th minute, moving past Ruben Dias before firing a strong shot into the net. Joachim Andersen headed in Denmark’s fourth, prompting boos from the home crowd at the Estadio Municipal. Bernardo Silva scored a late consolation goal for Portugal.

Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand praised the collective performance, saying the team deserved the victory.

In Oslo, Norway beat Wales 3-1. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring before Andreas Schjelderup added a second from an Erling Haaland cross. David Brooks pulled one back for Wales in the 79th minute, but Haaland converted a penalty late on to complete the scoring.

Wales will finish bottom of the group and face the risk of relegation to League B.

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, moved closer to promotion to League A after beating Ukraine 1-0. Terry Devlin scored his first international goal, leaving his team needing a point against Hungary on Tuesday to secure promotion.