Denmark thrash Portugal 4-1 on night of Ronaldo tributes

BRAGA, Portugal, Nov 14 : Portugal's first match since Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement ended in a crushing 4-1 home defeat by Denmark in the Nations League on Saturday, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring twice as a night of tributes in Braga turned sour for Jorge Jesus and his players.

Norway beat Wales 3-1 in Oslo in the other League A Group Four match, with Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup scoring before Erling Haaland's late penalty sealed victory.

Portugal remain top on 12 points, three ahead of Denmark, with Norway third on six and Wales bottom on three. One round of league-phase matches remains, with Wales hosting Portugal and Denmark at home to Norway on Tuesday.

In front of a packed stadium, Portugal's players wore shirts bearing Ronaldo's name and number seven during the national anthem. 

Supporters unfurled a banner reading "Obrigado, capi7ão" — "Thank you, captain" — alongside images of him lifting the European Championship and Nations League trophies.

Ronaldo announced his international retirement on social media last week following a public falling-out with manager Jesus.

DENMARK RUN RIOT

Portugal dominated much of the first half in pouring rain but fell behind shortly before halftime.

Hojlund had a header ruled out for a foul by Joachim Andersen in the build-up before another aerial effort struck Ruben Dias’ hand. Following a VAR intervention and pitchside review, the referee awarded a penalty which Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg drove into the top-right corner shortly before halftime.

Hojlund doubled Denmark's advantage five minutes after the interval, slipping behind the defence to meet a cross from the right with a powerful volley.

The striker scored again seven minutes later, cutting inside