Portugal vs Denmark player ratings — Seleção das Quinas lose 1-4 after retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo

With the win over two-time Nations League champion, Denmark moved into second place in Group A4 and closed in on a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026-27 season.

Updated : Nov 15, 2026 12:29 IST - 2 MINS READ

Rasmus Hojlund starred with a superb brace as Denmark moved into second place in Group A4 and closed in on a spot in the quarterfinals with a brilliant display in Braga. | Photo Credit: AP

Portugal was hammered 1-4 by Denmark on Saturday, an embarrassing Nations League defeat in its first match without Cristiano Ronaldo following the superstar forward’s retirement from international football.

Rasmus Hojlund starred with a superb brace as Denmark moved into second place in Group A4 and closed in on a spot in the quarterfinals with a brilliant display in Braga.

The Danes are on nine points from five fixtures, three behind Portugal, which was already sure of qualification for the last eight, having won all four of its previous group fixtures.

A draw against third-placed Norway on Tuesday, 3-1 winner over Wales earlier, will see Denmark through while Portugal hope that Saturday’s disaster isn’t a sign of things to come.

Ahead of kick-off, Portugal paid tribute to Ronaldo, who announced his exit from the international game last week, with the team and mascots walking out wearing Ronaldo’s number seven and his name on their jerseys.

Fans held up a huge banner which read “Thank you captain” as the teams entered the field, while applause rolled around the stadium once the match clock hit seven.

Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and went on to establish world records for goals and appearances in international football, netting 146 times in 234 matches.

Portugal vs Denmark player ratings:

Portugal: Diogo Costa (5.0/10), Alberto Costa (5.5/10), Renato Veiga (6.0/10), Rúben Dias (4.5/10), Diogo Dalot (6.0/10), Rúben Neves (6.0/10), Vitinha (6.5/10), Pedro Neto (6.0/10), Bruno Fernandes (7.0/10), João Félix (5.5/10), Gonçalo Ramos (5.5/10)

Subs: Francisco Trincão (6.5/10), Carlos Forbs (6.0/10), João Palhinha (6.2/10), Bernardo Silva (7.2/10), João Neves (6.0/10)

Denmark: Mads Hermansen (7.5/10), Alexander Bah (6.5/10), Oliver Provstgaard (7.5/10), Joachim Andersen (8.0/10), Joakim Mæhle (6.5/10), Morten Hjulmand (7.5/10), Mikkel Damsgaard (7.1/10), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (8.9/10), Gustav Isaksen (7.3/10), Rasmus Højlund (8.8/10), Mohamed Daramy (7.5/10)

Subs: Andreas Skov Olsen (6.5/10), Mathias Jensen (7.2/10), Victor Froholdt (6.5/10), William Osula (6.5/10), Victor Nelsson (6.2/10)