Portugal strengthened their Nations League campaign with a 4-2 victory over Denmark in Copenhagen. Apparently, the result offered an early glimpse of the team without Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch.
Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Ramos twice put Portugal ahead, but Denmark responded through Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund celebrated his equaliser with Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark “Siuuu” celebration, something the former Manchester United striker has also done against Portugal in the past. Denmark’s resistance eventually ended when Vitinha restored Portugal’s lead with a header from Bruno Fernandes’ delivery. Joao Felix then sealed the victory with a late fourth goal as Portugal claimed another important result.
The match was played amid increased attention on Ronaldo’s role with the national team. The 41-year-old, who is men’s international football’s record goalscorer, had been left on the bench for Portugal’s previous match against Norway before leaving the squad. Following the victory in Denmark, Jesus reiterated that seniority and reputation would not guarantee a player a starting place.
“I still think exactly the same way – there are players with status. That much is crystal clear,” Jesus said.
“But I’ll say it again – the rules are the same for everyone. That’s a method I’ve followed throughout my coaching career and I’ll continue to follow.”
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