Portugal lose 1-4 to Denmark in Braga, their first defeat under Jorge Jesus

The result in Braga

Denmark beat Portugal 4-1 at the Estádio Municipal de Braga on Saturday, 14 November, in matchday five of the Nations League Group A4. It was the first official match for Portugal since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on 5 November, and the first defeat for the side under Jorge Jesus, who had won their four previous matches. Notícias ao Minuto called it the heaviest home defeat in Portugal's official history, while Diário de Notícias noted that the loss ended a run of 14 official home games without defeat.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute, after the referee awarded a penalty for an offence by Ruben Dias in the box, an incident 7sur7 described as a handball. SAPO reported that an earlier Højlund effort, at 39 minutes, had been ruled out for offside.

Second half collapse

Rasmus Højlund doubled Denmark's lead in the 50th minute and scored again in the 57th minute, making it 3-0. Joachim Andersen headed in Denmark's fourth goal in the 75th minute. Bernardo Silva, who had come on for Bruno Fernandes in the 78th minute, pulled one back in the third minute of stoppage time, after a rebound in the area that the VAR confirmed, according to Diário de Notícias. Portugal finish the matchday with 10 goals scored and eight conceded in five games.

Group A4 at stake

Portugal top the group with 12 points, ahead of Denmark on nine, Norway on six and Wales on three. The final round is on Tuesday, 17 November, when Portugal visit Wales. Diário de Notícias reports that a draw would be enough for Portugal to secure first place, while a defeat would only leave them top if Denmark fail to beat Norway on the same night. SAPO reported that Denmark hold the head-to-head advantage, so a level finish on points would put them first. Portugal have already qualified for the quarter-finals, and a top-two finish would make them one of four seeds in the draw.

Portugal12

Denmark9

Norway6

Wales3

Portugal

12 points

Denmark

9 points

Norway

6 points

Wales

3 points

Data from the article text

Ronaldo's farewell and the stands

Before the match, Pedro Proença proposed a tribute to Ronaldo before the opening whistle and another after the final whistle, and Jorge Jesus accepted the idea. Jesus described it as the Portuguese Football Federation's decision and said that nobody can forget the years Ronaldo spent in the national team.

“Nobody can forget the 23 years that Cris played for the national team.”

Jesus named 28 players for the match, including returns and debutants, and Alberto Costa made his first international appearance at right back, according to Observador. Several supporters left the stands after Denmark went 4-0 ahead, with some whistling, while Danish fans responded with olés, SAPO reported.