Portugal responded to the drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national-team camp by beating Denmark 4-2 in their UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday.
Despite the turmoil surrounding Ronaldo’s exit, Jorge Jesus’ side produced an entertaining performance in Copenhagen to maintain the coach’s perfect start in charge of the national team.
The match came just a day after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp following Jesus’ decision not to start him against Denmark. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had also remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday.
Jesus attempted to draw a line under the controversy before kick-off, urging his players to concentrate on the match.
His team responded on the pitch, taking the lead in the 13th minute when Joao Cancelo found the net. Denmark, however, quickly restored parity through Mikkel Damsgaard, who curled a fine effort past the Portuguese goalkeeper 10 minutes later.
Portugal regained the advantage only two minutes after Denmark’s equaliser. Goncalo Ramos, selected to lead the attack in Ronaldo’s absence, produced a clever near-post finish to put the visitors ahead again.
The hosts refused to surrender and levelled once more early in the second half through Rasmus Hojlund.
Portugal eventually regained control when Vitinha headed the visitors back in front in the 57th minute, giving Jesus’ team another lead to protect.
With Denmark pushing for another equaliser, Portugal sealed the victory three minutes from full time. Substitute Joao Felix finished a rapid counter-attack to make it 4-2 and remove any late doubt over the result.
The victory gives Jesus three wins from his first three matches as Portugal coach, although Ronaldo’s departure remained a major talking point surrounding the team.
Ronaldo announced his decision to leave camp in a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
“Following the national team coach’s press conference, and after having a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, I decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo wrote.
He added that he would explain his reasons to the Portuguese public “in due course.”
Jesus has said he will address the situation after the Denmark match, but for now, Portugal’s attention can turn to a result that extends the new manager’s perfect beginning while the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo continues.
