Cristiano Ronaldo‘s abrupt exit left a cloud over Portugal, yet Jorge Jesus got a loud answer in Copenhagen as Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 without its captain, delivering a historic attack that makes his absence impossible to ignore and fuels belief in a new era.
Ronaldo quit the camp on Sept. 30 after learning he wouldn’t start versus Denmark, following a bench role in the 2-1 win over Norway. The 41‑year‑old later said he spoke with FPF president Pedro Proença and that the truth about his walk‑out will surface.
Whatever unfolded backstage, the Selecão ensured the saga didn’t dominate play. Jesus’s side netted four goals in Copenhagen, keeping a flawless Nations League start and proving ample firepower remains even without its all‑time top scorer.
João Cancelo struck first in the 13th minute after a slick link‑up with Gonçalo Ramos. Denmark answered via Mikkel Damsgaard, but Ramos restored the lead two minutes later, set up by Bruno Fernandes.
Rasmus Højlund equalised early in the second half, even mimicking Ronaldo’s iconic “Siu”. Portugal answered through Vitinha in the 67th, and João Félix sealed the win three minutes from the final whistle.
Portugal shatters a record dating back to 1992.
The win matters beyond three points. Opta notes Portugal’s four‑goal haul is the first since the FIFA rankings began in Dec 1992 that a team has scored four away against a top‑25 opponent.
Denmark came in at 21st in the FIFA rankings, making Portugal’s feat unprecedented in the modern ranking era. The side also logged 10 shots on target, a Nations League away high, and matched its best away goal tally.
“Portugal’s 4-2 victory over Denmark is the first since the introduction of FIFA rankings (December 1992) in which the National Team scores 4+ goals away from home against a Top 25 ranked team,” Opta Joao reported.
The result shines brighter given the context. Portugal took the field less than a day after Ronaldo’s exit, yet produced one of its most impressive away displays of the modern era.
Ronaldo’s missing presence stays the top concern.
Portugal now sits on nine points from three Nations League matches, granting Jesus a flawless start and a solid group position. Still, the Copenhagen show raises a nagging query: how will Ronaldo slot back in if he returns?
Cristiano Ronaldo representing Portugal.
The striker remains the nation’s record scorer and a historic icon. Still, Ramos proved Portugal can mount a high‑level attack without him, and Jesus made clear that fame alone won’t dictate selections.