Portugal supporters may have just witnessed a preview of life beyond Cristiano Ronaldo. Their side edged out Denmark 4-2 in a lively Nations League encounter in Copenhagen, and the result will fuel plenty of debate.
The visitors went ahead twice, through Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Ramos, yet the hosts refused to fold. Mikkel Damsgaard drew them level first, and Rasmus Hojlund repeated the trick later. The former Manchester United forward then grabbed attention for his celebration, copying Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu” routine, a gesture he has aimed at Portugal on a previous occasion too.
Vitinha restored the lead with a header, converting a delivery from Bruno Fernandes, before Joao Felix sealed matters late on with the fourth.
The backdrop made this fixture unusual. It was the first outing since Ronaldo, 41 and the highest scorer in men’s international history, departed the squad after being left among the substitutes against Norway. His sister, Elma Aveiro, hinted at her feelings online, posting that betrayal is best served cold.
Coach Jorge Jesus, 72, was unmoved. He insisted that stars deserve recognition, but stressed that everyone follows identical standards. According to him, this approach has guided his entire career, and he plans to keep it that way.
Ronaldo has been close to untouchable for Portugal over the years, collecting 146 goals across 234 appearances. Still, as age has reduced his mobility, some observers wonder whether the Al-Nassr striker, owner of 979 career goals, has unintentionally limited the team’s evolution.
On this evidence, the attack looked sharper and more fluid without him. Whether that becomes a lasting trend remains to be seen, but Portugal’s fans certainly left with plenty to discuss.
