Portugal shrugged off Cristiano Ronaldo’s midweek camp exit with a commanding 4-2 UEFA Nations League win over Denmark at Parken, staying perfect in Group 4 after three matches.
Match facts
- Result: Denmark 2-4 Portugal (half-time 1-2)
- Competition: UEFA Nations League A, Group 4, Matchday 3
- Venue: Parken, Copenhagen
- Scorers: Denmark - Damsgaard 23', Højlund 53'; Portugal - Cancelo 13', Ramos 25', Vítinha 67', João Félix 87'
- Red cards: None
- Next: Portugal v Norway, Sunday 4 October; Wales v Denmark
How the match unfolded
It was Portugal’s first outing since Cristiano Ronaldo left the Nations League camp after being an unused substitute in Oslo. Rafael Leão wore the No.7 shirt in his place, with Gonçalo Ramos leading the line under Jorge Jesus.
Denmark almost struck early when Adam Daghim’s low ball across the face of goal flashed past Rasmus Højlund. Portugal then went close themselves: Ramos turned João Cancelo’s scuffed delivery against the left post.
Nine seconds later the visitors led. Cancelo cut out a Denmark counter, exchanged passes with Ramos and clipped a finish over Mads Hermansen in the 13th minute.
Leão forced Hermansen into a save before Denmark levelled in the 23rd minute. Joakim Mæhle’s cut-back found Mikkel Damsgaard, who curled a superb effort into the far corner from the left of the box.
Portugal restored the lead two minutes later. Ramos backheeled to Bruno Fernandes, darted in behind and raced onto the captain’s return pass before prodding into the near corner for 2-1.
Hermansen denied Ramos before the break and Fernandes early in the second half after the goalkeeper had given the ball away. Denmark were level again in the 53rd minute: Damsgaard split the defence and Højlund lobbed Diogo Costa, then copied Ronaldo’s trademark celebration.
Portugal kept pushing. Ramos’ acrobatic effort flew over before Vítinha made it 3-2 in the 67th minute, ghosting onto Fernandes’ cross and heading past Hermansen at the near post — his first senior international goal, on his 46th cap.
Jesus turned to the bench, and with three minutes left substitute João Félix swept home Diogo Dalot’s cutback to seal a 4-2 win. Portugal finished with 19 shots to Denmark’s 12.
What it means
Portugal sit top of Nations League A Group 4 with nine points from three wins. Denmark are on three points after one win and two defeats, level with Norway and Wales on points but with a better goal difference than the Welsh.
The result also answered the immediate football question after Ronaldo’s departure: Jesus’ side looked sharp in combination play through Ramos, Fernandes and Cancelo, and created far more clear chances than the hosts.
What happens next
Portugal host Norway on Sunday 4 October in their next Group 4 fixture. Denmark face Wales in the same matchday window as the group race tightens behind the leaders.