Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 as Ronaldo Controversy Overshadows Nations League Win

Portugal put the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure aside on Thursday. The European champions beat Denmark 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League.

Joao Felix sealed the victory late in the second half. Denmark had twice recovered from a deficit before Portugal finally pulled away.

Ronaldo dominated the pre-match headlines after leaving Portugal’s training camp on Wednesday. Coach Jorge Jesus had announced that the veteran forward would not start against Denmark.

Jesus urged his players to focus on the match. His team responded with a strong performance despite the attention surrounding Ronaldo.

“A victory of the highest quality,” Jesus told reporters after the game. He praised Portugal’s four-goal performance and maintained that team rules apply equally to every player.

Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp

Ronaldo, Portugal’s record goalscorer, had already spent Sunday’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on the bench.

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He had started Portugal’s previous match against Wales. Portugal won that game 1-0 at home.

Ronaldo later explained his decision to leave the national team camp in a post on Instagram.

He said he made the decision after Jesus’s press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca.

Ronaldo also said he would explain his reasons to the Portuguese public at a later stage.

Portugal Twice Lose Their Lead

Portugal started strongly and took the lead after just 13 minutes.

Joao Cancelo finished the move to put the visitors ahead. Denmark responded quickly, with Mikkel Damsgaard curling home an equaliser 10 minutes later.

Portugal regained the advantage only two minutes after Denmark’s goal.

Goncalo Ramos rewarded Jesus for selecting him in attack. The forward produced a clever near-post finish to make it 2-1.

Denmark refused to surrender. Rasmus Hojlund scored early in the second half to level the match again.

Portugal then regained control in the 57th minute. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha headed home to restore the visitors’ lead.

Felix Seals Third Win for Jesus

Joao Felix finally ended Denmark’s hopes three minutes before full time.

The substitute finished a rapid counter-attack to make it 4-2 and complete Portugal’s third victory in three matches under Jesus.

The result allowed Portugal to shift attention back toward their Nations League campaign.

“This is more important than anything else that has happened,” Jesus said after the match.

He now wants his players to focus on their next challenge. Portugal will host Norway on Sunday.