In Copenhagen, Portugal stepped into its first match after Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from the national-team camp and answered the uncertainty with a 4-2 win over Denmark. The result offered Jorge Jesus a forceful early endorsement, with Vitinha pointing to a squad beginning to understand its new direction.
Portugal find their response in Denmark
- Portugal travelled to the Danish capital amid the fallout from Ronaldo’s unexpected exit from the camp, ending an era around the 41-year-old forward in unusually turbulent circumstances.
- Jorge Jesus’s side then produced a convincing away performance, beating Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen in their first outing since the incident.
- Gonçalo Ramos, now with AC Milan, took on a leading attacking role by contributing a goal and an assist.
- João Cancelo and João Félix were also among Portugal’s scorers, while Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Højlund pulled goals back for Denmark.
Vitinha, the PSG midfielder, said the coach’s work was already becoming visible on the pitch. “The manager’s work is starting to bring results; you can see it now,” he said, adding that the group had responded with an outstanding collective spirit and wanted to continue on the same path.
Ramos also backed the approach adopted after Ronaldo’s departure. He said Portugal’s players now had clearer ideas during matches, a clarity that helped them complete a strong display despite Denmark’s late efforts to narrow the scoreline.
A collective Portugal draws praise at home
The performance in Scandinavia was greeted enthusiastically in Portugal, where the 4-2 result was seen as evidence that the team could move beyond the media storm surrounding its former focal point.
Commentary in the country focused on Portugal’s greater movement, high pressing and the authority of Ramos in the forward line. One assessment argued that there remained much to gain from the new situation, with Ramos now setting the tone; another presented him as proof that a side need not be left without direction when a major figure exits.
Portugal now turn towards their next Nations League assignment in Group A2, with Norway due at the Estádio do Dragão. After a difficult camp, the night in Copenhagen gave Jesus and his players both a result and a clearer sense of where this rebuilt side may be heading.
