Portugal put the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo aside to beat Denmark 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League on Friday.
The defending champions made it three wins from three under new head coach Jorge Jesus, despite Denmark twice fighting back to level the score.
Joao Cancelo opened the scoring after 13 minutes, but Mikkel Damsgaard equalised 10 minutes later. Goncalo Ramos, who again started in Ronaldo’s absence, quickly restored Portugal’s lead with a near post finish.
Denmark responded after the break as Rasmus Hojlund made it 2-2 in the 54th minute. Portugal regained control when Vitinha headed home from a Bruno Fernandes cross. Joao Felix then finished a quick counter attack late on to seal the 4-2 victory.
The match came a day after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp. The 41-year-old made the decision following Jesus’ announcement that he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo had also remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway. He later said he would explain the reasons behind his departure “in due course”.
After the Denmark win, Jesus avoided discussing Ronaldo and instead focused on his team’s display.
“The team put on a top-level performance here today. Four goals and a performance that was, in my opinion, first-class. That’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked,” Jesus said.
“And of course, that’s more important than anything else that happened. “So, that’s what I want to focus on: the match, the next match at the Dragão Stadium when we return to Portugal, where I’m sure our fans will fill the stands.
“That’s the most important thing for me right now.”
