Portugal humbled in first game since Ronaldo retirement

Portugal endured a significant defeat in their inaugural match since Cristiano Ronaldo's announcement of his retirement from international football, as Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund netted twice to secure a strong victory for his team. Ronaldo, who accomplished the record of scoring 146 goals and playing 234 times for his country, officially retired from international football in a video shared on social media just prior to the match.

Despite coach Jorge Jesus hinting that Ronaldo would be included in the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales, the legendary forward opted out of the game. Consequently, he faced a £215 fine and a 30-day suspension for walking out of the team camp in September after being informed he wouldn't start the first match against Denmark.

The match took place in Braga, where Portugal fans and players paid their respects to Ronaldo by donning shirts emblazoned with his retired number '7' and displaying the words 'Ronaldo' and 'GOAT' (Greatest Of All Time) during the event. The initial atmosphere was festive, with banners stating 'thank you, captain' and a similar message displayed on the scoreboard just seven minutes into the game.

However, Denmark's momentum quickly turned into a commanding triumph. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, a former Southampton and Tottenham midfielder, scored a penalty shortly before halftime, giving Denmark the lead. Hojlund, who now plays for Italian club Napoli, followed suit with a brace in an eight-minute span during the second half, solidifying Denmark's 4-0 advantage by the 75th minute.

In the final moments of stoppage time, Bernardo Silva, a former Manchester City player now at Real Madrid, added a consolation goal for Portugal after Joao Neves was denied. Portugal had already clinched their spots in the quarter-finals of the Nations League by winning their opening four matches but now face the grim prospect of a potential loss to Wales in Cardiff on November 17 to secure their group victory. Denmark will take on Norway later that day, leading the second-place group by three points.