Cristiano Ronaldo played no part as Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen on Thursday, with the veteran left out of Jorge Jesus' starting line-up. The Euro 2016 winners secured the victory without their captain, who had already left the squad midway through a four-match international break.
Ronaldo's departure explained
Ronaldo was furious after being kept on the bench for Portugal's previous match, a narrow win over Norway. He then opted to leave the camp, just halfway through the break.
"In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I always devoted myself," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. "Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception."
Rafael Leao was handed the Al Nassr star's No.7 shirt in Copenhagen. Portugal led 2-1 at half-time and added two more goals after Rasmus Hojlund had briefly levelled for Denmark.
Portuguese media react
Record praised Joao Felix, who scored for the third consecutive game after coming on as a late substitute. "He seems to have ushered in a new era for the National Team yesterday," the outlet said. "In the first match following the Cristiano Ronaldo saga, the Portuguese ship remains steady even without the captain."
TSF carried comments from Jorge Jesus, who called the win in Denmark the best of Portugal's three performances during the break. He suggested he will address the Ronaldo situation after Sunday's home game against Norway, rather than between matches.
"Because they have so much individual quality, things come more easily," Jesus said of his squad. "If you think this means having the group under control, then I have the group under control. They're all going hand in hand with me on my ideas."
Players told not to speak
Mais Futebol reported that Renato Veiga indicated players are not permitted to discuss Ronaldo. "I'm very close to Cris and he knows I have a great affection for him, but I've been told I can't talk about the matter. I can't, I'm sorry," Veiga said.
O Jogo praised Portugal's unity amid the headlines. The Selecao became the first team to reach nine points in any UEFA Nations League group in the current edition, as they aim to retain the title they won in 2025.
"The triumph in Denmark strengthened Jorge Jesus at a sensitive moment and opened up a new path," they wrote. "Light bodies, harmonious music, a slender synchronisation of movements, one-two passes, and a daring attitude were evident."
"With a phlegmatic response to the Ronaldo hurricane, a sudden storm that swept across the world, Portugal responded with unity, without any sign of a divided spirit, displaying more certainties than doubts, seemingly pacing an easy win in this phase of the Nations League."
