portugal vs denmark: Denmark thrash Portugal 4-1 in Braga in first match since Ronaldo's retirement

The portugal vs denmark match ended in a heavy home defeat for Portugal. On Saturday, 14 November, Denmark won 4-1 at the Estadio Municipal in Braga in League A, Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League. It was Portugal's first match since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football.

How the match unfolded

With the first half still goalless late on, Denmark won a penalty in the 43rd minute. Midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg converted it to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.

The second half belonged to Denmark. Just 4 minutes after the restart, striker Rasmus Hojlund volleyed in the second goal in the 49th minute. In the 57th he went past Ruben Dias and finished on his own for his second. Defender Joachim Andersen headed in the fourth in the 75th minute. Bernardo Silva pulled one back for Portugal in stoppage time.

Goals at a glance

• 43' — Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (penalty), Denmark 1-0
• 49' — Rasmus Hojlund, Denmark 2-0
• 57' — Rasmus Hojlund, Denmark 3-0
• 75' — Joachim Andersen, Denmark 4-0
• Stoppage time — Bernardo Silva, Portugal 1-4

The first game without Ronaldo

Portugal paid tribute to Ronaldo before kick-off, with the players wearing his number 7. The 41-year-old announced his retirement from international football in the first week of November. The forward made his debut in 2003, and his international career spanned 23 years. He also holds the record for the most goals in men's international football. He had been out of the national team since September.

The defeat was Portugal's first under coach Jorge Jesus, who had won his previous 4 matches in charge.

What it means for the table

Portugal stay top of the group despite the loss. They won their first 4 games and have 12 points. The win takes Denmark to 9 points from 5 games, in second place. On the same night in Oslo, Norway beat Wales 3-1, with Erling Haaland scoring one and setting up another.

In that game Antonio Nusa scored first for Norway, Andreas Schjelderup tapped in from a low Haaland cross, and Haaland converted a late penalty. David Brooks scored Wales' only goal. Bottom of the group, Wales are at risk of relegation to League B.

Key takeaways

• Hojlund's burst: The Danish striker scored twice within the first 12 minutes of the second half and effectively settled the game.
• Portugal's defence: A back line marshalled by Ruben Dias conceded 4, Portugal's worst night of the group stage.
• Winning run over: Portugal had won all of their first 4 group games before dropping points for the first time.
• A night of tribute, a painful result: The heavy loss came on the night the team honoured Ronaldo, captain of the Euro 2016-winning side.

What happens next

Denmark face Norway in the final round of group games, with a quarter-final place at stake. Portugal also have one game left as they begin rebuilding for life after Ronaldo.

Despite staying top with a game to spare, a defeat this heavy will raise questions about Portugal's defence, and the debate over who replaces Ronaldo in attack is likely to grow.