By Our Reporter
Portugal suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Denmark on Saturday in their first international fixture since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football.
Former Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Denmark produced an impressive performance to overwhelm the Portuguese side in their UEFA Nations League encounter at the Estádio Municipal de Braga.
The match was Portugal’s first since Ronaldo, 41, announced his international retirement in a video posted on social media last week, bringing an end to a remarkable career with the national team.
Ronaldo scored a record 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal after making his international debut in 2003. He also won the Ballon d’Or five times during his illustrious career.
Despite his absence, Ronaldo remained the centre of attention before kick-off, with Portugal players and mascots walking onto the pitch wearing shirts bearing his iconic number seven.
Supporters also displayed tributes in the stands, including the words ‘Ronaldo’ and ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time), alongside a banner thanking the former captain for his contribution to Portuguese football.
A message of appreciation was also displayed on the stadium scoreboard in the seventh minute.
However, the emotional occasion quickly turned sour as Denmark took control of the encounter.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, converting a penalty awarded after a handball decision against Portugal defender Ruben Dias.
Denmark doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Hojlund found the net in the 49th minute. The Napoli striker struck again eight minutes later to give the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead.
Joachim Andersen added a fourth in the 75th minute, leaving Portugal facing a heavy home defeat.
Bernardo Silva scored a consolation goal for the hosts in the third minute of added time, but it did little to change the outcome as Denmark secured an emphatic 4-1 victory.
Portugal had won their opening four Nations League matches to book a place in the quarter-finals.
They must now avoid defeat against Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday, November 17, to finish as Group 4 winners.
Denmark, meanwhile, will host Norway on the same day, holding a three-point advantage over their opponents in second place.
The defeat provided a disappointing backdrop to Portugal’s tribute to Ronaldo, whose extraordinary international career has left an enduring mark on the country’s football history.