Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen to maintain a perfect record in their UEFA Nations League group, delivering a strong performance in their first match without Cristiano Ronaldo. Goals from João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha and João Félix secured the three points for Jorge Jesus's side.
Responding to the leveller
João Cancelo, wearing the number 7 shirt, opened the scoring in the 13th minute from a Gonçalo Ramos assist. Denmark equalised ten minutes later through Mikkel Damsgaard, but Portugal responded immediately. In the 25th minute, Gonçalo Ramos, again set up by Bruno Fernandes, restored the lead. The second half began with another Danish equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund in the 53rd minute, but the team held firm.
Vitinha, with another assist from Bruno Fernandes, made it 3-2 in the 67th minute. Manager Jorge Jesus was shown a yellow card for dissent a minute later. The clincher came in the 87th minute when substitute João Félix finished from a Diogo Dalot pass.
Manager Jorge Jesus was unequivocal about the absence of the former captain. "It will never be one player who changes my ideas as a coach. Never. Not him, not anyone in football," he said. Portugal created more danger, registering 19 shots with 10 on target to Denmark's 12 and 3. The victory marks three wins from three in Nations League Group A and extends Portugal's winning run to three matches. The starting lineup featured Diogo Costa in goal and the centre-back pairing of Rúben Dias and Renato Veiga.
