Denmark drub Portugal 4-1 in sobering first outing since Ronaldo's retirement

Portugal’s post-Cristiano Ronaldo era began with a heavy defeat as Denmark thrashed them 4-1 in Braga on Thursday, leaving Jorge Jesus’s side needing results to go their way on the final matchday to win UEFA Nations League Group A4.

The evening had opened with a ceremony marking Ronaldo’s record-breaking international career, but the tribute quickly gave way to a difficult night on the pitch. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg converted a penalty in the 43rd minute to break the deadlock and set the tone for what followed.

Rasmus Højlund, who missed the chance to play alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United by just seven months, then struck twice in quick succession after the interval — netting in the 49th and 57th minutes. Joachim Andersen added a fourth in the 75th minute to complete a commanding Danish performance.

Bernardo Silva pulled one back deep into stoppage time, but the consolation did little to soften the blow for the home supporters. Portugal’s attack had not lacked quality on paper — Gonçalo Ramos led the line, supported by João Félix, Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto — yet it was the defensive end that proved catastrophic.

The result means Portugal’s fate in the group is no longer in their own hands. Denmark, for their part, still need to win their final fixture and rely on Portugal dropping points if they are to claim top spot.

The timing of the defeat adds an uncomfortable edge to the debate that had been building around Ronaldo’s final months in the national team. His powers had visibly declined at international level, and an acrimonious early departure from last month’s camp ultimately proved the catalyst for his retirement announcement. Whether Portugal are genuinely better without him remains, after one bruising night in Braga, very much an open question.