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Denmark ended Portugal’s four-match winning run in the UEFA Nations League with an emphatic 4-1 victory, delivering a disappointing result for Jorge Jesus’ side in front of their home supporters.
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Rasmus Højlund was the star of the encounter, scoring twice in the second half, while Pierre-Emile Højbjerg opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Rúben Dias handled the ball inside the box.
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Joachim Andersen added Denmark’s fourth goal in the 75th minute, while Bernardo Silva scored a late consolation in stoppage time as Portugal suffered their heaviest setback of the group campaign.
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Portugal manager Jorge Jesus described the defeat as a bad night for his team, admitting they struggled to contain Denmark’s attacking threat, although the Selecao remain top of Group D with 12 points ahead of their final group match against Wales.
November 15, (THEWILL) – Denmark produced an outstanding performance to hand Portugal a humiliating 4-1 defeat in their UEFA Nations League encounter at the Estádio Municipal de Braga on Saturday.
Rasmus Højlund scored twice, while Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Joachim Andersen were also on target as the visitors ended Portugal’s four-match winning run in the competition.
The defeat was particularly disappointing for Portugal, who were playing their first international match since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football earlier this month.
Before kick-off, the Portuguese national team paid tribute to their legendary former captain, with players wearing his iconic number seven shirt during the pre-match ceremony.
Denmark thought they had taken the lead in the 37th minute when Højlund found the back of the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
A few minutes later, the visitors broke the deadlock when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg converted from the spot after Portugal defender Rúben Dias handled the ball inside the penalty area.
The hosts could not find a response before the first half ended.
Denmark intensified their pressure immediately after the break and doubled their advantage through Højlund. He finished off an excellent attacking move involving Isaksen shortly after half-time, sending the ball past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to make it 2-0.
He completed his brace with a clinical low finish to put Denmark firmly in control of the encounter in the 57th minute.
Joachim Andersen added a fourth goal in the 75th minute.
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Bernardo Silva scored a consolation goal for Portugal in the 93rd minute, but it was too little too late as Denmark held on to seal a well-deserved win.
The defeat ended Portugal’s perfect run of four straight wins in the competition, having already secured their place in the last eight.
Portugal remain top of Group D with 12 points, while Denmark moved into second position with nine points, three ahead of Norway.
Jorge Jesus described it as a bad night for Portugal, while admitting that his side could not contain the Danish team.
He said: “It was a bad night for us. “We were unable to contain Denmark’s attacking play or find solutions in attack. The defensive difficulties became even more evident in the second half. This defeat does not erase the good start we had in the competition.”
The Selecao will be aiming to bounce back from the heavy defeat when they take on Wales in their last group match on Tuesday.
