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Denmark Thrash Portugal 4-1 on Night of Ronaldo Tributes
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Denmark ended Portugal’s perfect group run and moved closer to a Nations League quarterfinal place, officials said.
On Saturday, Portugal honored retired captain Cristiano Ronaldo during their Nations League match against Denmark at Braga Municipal Stadium, with every player wearing his famous No. 7 jersey.
Ronaldo, who retired from international football on November 5, concluded a 23-year career following a documented fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus regarding playing time and selection decisions.
Beyond the jerseys, the Portuguese Football Federation organized a symbolic pause in the seventh minute, allowing fans at the Braga stadium to applaud the former captain's historic 146-goal international contribution.
Denmark defeated Portugal 4-1 in the Group A4 clash, with Rasmus Hojlund, Denmark forward, scoring twice as the hosts endured a difficult night despite the pre-match tributes.
Despite the loss, Portugal remains atop Group A4 with 12 points and has secured a quarter-final spot, while Denmark moves to nine points ahead of their final group fixture.
In honour of Cristiano Ronaldo, who decided to take his international retreat a few days before this match, his former teammates all wore a jersey flogged with his iconic N.7 by entering the lawn and then during the Portuguese national anthem. At the age of 41, the quintuple Ballon d'Or announced that he would end his course with the Seleçao after a disagreement with the selector Jorge Jesus, who thus suffered his first defeat for his fifth game…