Portugal set aside the drama of Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden exit as they beat Denmark 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.
Joao Felix sealed the win late in the second half after Denmark had come back to level the score twice.
Before the match, the talk was all about Ronaldo leaving the team’s training camp on Wednesday. Coach Jorge Jesus said he just wanted his players to concentrate on the game.
Despite the noise surrounding Ronaldo’s exit, the team showed focus. This came after Jesus announced that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark. The record goalscorer had spent all of Sunday’s 2-1 Nations League win in Norway sitting on the bench. He had earlier captained Portugal in a 1-0 home win over Wales last Thursday.
“Following the national team coach’s press conference, and after having a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, I decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo posted on Instagram on Wednesday.
“In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.”
Jesus said on Thursday, “After the match, we’ll definitely have time to talk about” the Ronaldo situation.
On the pitch, Joao Cancelo scored for Portugal just 13 minutes into the game. Mikkel Damsgaard then equalised for Denmark 10 minutes later.
Goncalo Ramos scored again for Portugal only two minutes after that, finishing well at the near post. Rasmus Hojlund brought Denmark level early in the second half, but Vitinha put Portugal back in front with a header in the 57th minute.
Substitute Felix finished off a quick counter-attack with three minutes left, giving Jesus his third win in three matches since taking charge.
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