Portugal beats Denmark 4-2 after Ronaldo walks out — SkimNews
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- Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen on Thursday to maintain a perfect record as defending UEFA Nations League champions under new coach Jorge Jesus.
- Cristiano Ronaldo left the squad Wednesday shortly after Jesus told reporters the 41-year-old would start on the bench for a second consecutive match, the top scorer in men's international soccer history departing amid the standoff.
- Jorge Jesus declared postmatch the group is united behind him and his vision, and said he would not provide further details on the Ronaldo situation until after Portugal hosts Norway on Sunday.
- Gonçalo Ramos took Ronaldo's starting spot and repaid Jesus's faith by assisting João Cancelo's opener and scoring his second goal in two international appearances.
- Vitinha struck Portugal's decisive third goal and credited the new manager, saying the squad is steadily assimilating Jesus's ideas and that the performance was their best yet under him.
- João Félix sealed the 4-2 win with a late goal, while defender Renato Veiga confirmed the squad had been instructed not to discuss the Ronaldo matter publicly, despite personally expressing affection for him.
Why it matters: Jesus has used a marquee standoff to consolidate authority over a squad that includes the most decorated player in men's international football, and his benching of Ronaldo has been answered with a statement win in Copenhagen. The players — from Ramos to Vitinha — are publicly backing the new hierarchy, meaning the more consequential question is no longer who starts but whether Ronaldo is welcomed back into the fold after Sunday's Norway match.
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