Denmark lost 4:2 to titleholder Portugal in an ausverkauften Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Thursday evening during their third UEFA Nations League Group A4 match, landderdaenen.de reported. The defeat leaves the Danish side with three points after three matches, tied with Norway and Wales in the group standings.
The fixture delivered six goals, a managerial tactical shift, and significant pre-match controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the squad. Portugal established dominance early in the campaign, securing nine points from their opening three fixtures under new coach Jorge Jesus.
Match Action and Goals in Copenhagen
Portugal opened the scoring when João Cancelo netted following a one-two with Gonçalo Ramos in the 13th minute, after the hosts had the game’s first opportunity in the seventh minute through a dangerous cross from Daghim intended for Rasmus Højlund. Denmark responded ten minutes later as Joakim Mæhle set up Mikkel Damsgaard, who finished calmly into the far corner to equalize. The parity lasted only two minutes before Ramos restored Portugal’s lead in the 25th minute by converting a through ball from Bruno Fernandes.
Denmark fought back after halftime. In the 53rd minute, Rasmus Højlund latched onto a long ball and lobbed it over advancing goalkeeper Diogo Costa to make it 2:2. Portugal answered again in the 67th minute when Vitinha headed home a cross from Fernandes, and substitute João Félix secured the 4:2 win with a right-footed shot in the final minutes.
Ronaldo leaves camp but watches from stands
The most discussed storyline occurred away from the pitch. While Ronaldo was absent from the team hotel, having left the national team camp on Wednesday on a private jet to flight to Madrid alongside an Instagram statement announcing he would one day tell the truth,
he appeared in the stands at Parken, where 35,951 spectators chanted “Siiuuu” and Højlund celebrated his goal with his idol’s trademark leap.
Jesus declined to discuss the controversy after the final whistle, telling reporters that his team scored four goals and secured an important victory. According to TV 2, Ronaldo faces a potential suspension ranging from one to six months under Portuguese federation rules for leaving the camp.
Portugal leads Group A4 before October fixtures
Portugal commands Group A4 with nine points, pulling clear of the chasing pack. In the parallel fixture, Wales defeated Norway 2:1 in Cardiff.
Denmark travels to Cardiff to face Wales on Sunday, October 4, at 20:45 in a match the Danish Football Union (DBU) notes is already sold out. The group stage concludes in November with a return fixture in Braga against Portugal and a final home match against Norway in Parken on November 17. Finishing in the top three secures a spot in Pot 1 for the 2028 European Qualifiers, while the last-placed team faces relegation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the consequences for the bottom-placed team in Group A4?
The top three positions in the group lead to Pot 1 of the UEFA Euro 2028 qualifiers, while the team finishing in last place faces relegation, TV 2 explained.
