Portugal began life without Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday, suffering a 4-1 home defeat to Denmark in the UEFA Nations League at Estádio Municipal de Braga.
The result marked the Seleção’s first match since the 41-year-old’s international retirement earlier this month, ending a 23-year career that produced a world-record 234 caps and 146 goals.
Before kick-off, Portugal paid tribute to their former captain.
Players took to the field in shirts bearing Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7, the crowd rose for a standing ovation around the seventh minute, and stadium screens displayed a message reading “Obrigado, capitão” (Thank you, captain).
The homage quickly turned sour. Denmark took the lead in the 43rd minute when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg converted a penalty after Rúben Dias handled a Rasmus Højlund header. Højlund then scored twice in the second half, in the 50th and 57th minutes, before Joachim Andersen headed home a fourth in the 75th minute.
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Bernardo Silva pulled one back for Portugal in stoppage time, but it proved scant consolation.
Portugal Coach Jorge Jesus fielded a new-look side featuring debutant Alberto Costa at right-back, Vitinha and Rúben Neves in central midfield, and Gonçalo Ramos as the central striker, supported by Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes and João Félix.
Portugal had entered the match with a strong record in the Nations League group but looked disjointed and unable to respond once Denmark took control.
The defeat leaves them needing a result against Wales in their final group game to secure top spot.
