Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in a UEFA Nations League match on Thursday, with the side focusing on the game despite Cristiano Ronaldo being absent. Multiple outlets note that the pre-match build-up is overshadowed by the controversy around Ronaldo’s departure.
Ronaldo is described as having not featured even after playing no part in prior Nations League proceedings: Yahoo Sports says he spent the earlier matchday against Norway on the bench following a 2-1 win and had captained the team in a previous 1-0 home victory over Wales. In the Denmark match, Punch adds that Portugal twice fall behind but fight back, eventually making the win safe late in the second half through Joao Felix.
Across reports, the shared emphasis is on Portugal’s response to the Ronaldo situation and the 4-2 scoreline. Differences are mainly in how much context is provided about Ronaldo’s recent role and the specific description of the match’s turning points.
