Portugal offered a glimpse of life without Cristiano Ronaldo as they secured an impressive 4-2 Nations League victory over Denmark in Copenhagen.
Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Ramos twice put Portugal ahead, but Denmark responded on both occasions through Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund, the former Manchester United striker, celebrated his equaliser with Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu” celebration, a gesture he has previously used against Portugal.
Portugal eventually regained control when Vitinha headed home a Bruno Fernandes delivery before Joao Felix struck late to seal a convincing victory for the visitors.
The match was Portugal’s first since 41-year-old Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, left the national team camp after being named on the bench against Norway.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus insisted after the victory that reputation would not determine team selection.
“I still think exactly the same way — there are players with status. That much is crystal clear,” Jesus said.
“But I’ll say it again — the rules are the same for everyone. That’s a method I’ve followed throughout my coaching career and I’ll continue to follow.”
Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, had earlier appeared to react to developments surrounding the forward by posting on social media: “Betrayal is a dish best served cold.”
Ronaldo has been a central figure in the Portuguese national team for more than two decades, scoring 146 international goals in 234 appearances.
However, Portugal’s performance against Denmark demonstrated the attacking options available to Jesus as the national team begins considering its long-term future beyond its record-breaking captain.
