Portugal began its post-Cristiano Ronaldo era with a 4-2 Nations League victory over Denmark in Copenhagen, with Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Ramos scoring as the visitors secured a four-goal win.
The result marked Portugal’s first match since Ronaldo’s departure from the national team following a reported falling-out with newly appointed coach Jorge Jesus.
Cancelo and Ramos twice put Portugal ahead during the match, but Denmark responded on both occasions through Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Hojlund. The back-and-forth contest eventually turned in Portugal’s favour as Jesus’ side finished with four goals to claim the victory.
Ronaldo, who is the highest goalscorer in international football history, was absent as Portugal began a new phase under Jesus. His departure has brought significant attention to the national team’s transition, with the squad now operating without the player who had worn Portugal’s No. 7 shirt for much of his international career.
Rafael Leao took over Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt for the match against Denmark. The change underlined the transition taking place within the squad as Portugal moved into its first competitive fixture of the new era.
Jesus also stressed that the same rules would apply to every player in the team. His comments came as Portugal adjusted to life without Ronaldo and sought to establish its approach under the new coach.
The 4-2 result gave Portugal a positive start to the post-Ronaldo period in the Nations League. The victory in Copenhagen also provided an early indication of how the team is beginning to move forward with a different group of players taking on greater responsibility in attack.