Denmark’s meeting with Portugal in the UEFA Nations League carried more than the usual edge of an international night. Rasmus Højlund, now with Napoli, matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous celebration after scoring in a 4-2 defeat, then became involved in a brief post-match exchange with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.
A changing match and a familiar celebration
- Portugal moved ahead in the 13th minute through João Cancelo.
- Mikkel Damsgaard brought Denmark level ten minutes later, making it 1-1 in the 23rd minute.
- Gonçalo Ramos restored Portugal’s advantage almost immediately, scoring in the 25th minute.
- Højlund struck at the start of the second half, finishing a fast Danish break with a chipped effort in the 53rd minute to make the score 2-2.
- After scoring, the Napoli forward ran towards the corner flag, raised an index finger and performed the leap-and-landing celebration long associated with Ronaldo. Part of the crowd answered with cries of “Siuuu!”
- Vitinha put Portugal back in front in the 67th minute.
- João Félix completed the visitors’ 4-2 win in the 87th minute.
Højlund’s choice of celebration drew immediate attention, particularly with Ronaldo having been at the centre of international discussion this week following recent controversy around Portugal. It was open to interpretation: a tribute to the veteran forward or a pointed gesture towards the Portuguese side.
Brief exchange with Jorge Jesus
The Danish forward was again in focus after the final whistle as Denmark’s players passed through Portugal’s coaching staff. Højlund first shook hands with Jorge Jesus, but reacted when the Portuguese coach patted him on the chest, giving him a slight push before continuing the customary greetings.
Jesus did not allow the incident to become a larger dispute. “I do not know what made him act that way. Maybe he does not like me for some reason,” the coach said afterwards.
He added that Højlund was still young and that he had no intention of being angered by the moment. Jesus said he was there to do his job, regarded the matter as finished, and stressed that he respected the Denmark striker while expecting the same in return.
