Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Portugal fell to a 4-1 defeat at home to Denmark. Miguel Riopa/AFP via Getty Images … Nov. 14, 2026 5:23 pm EST Updated … Portugal’s post-Cristiano Ronaldo era got off to an ignominious start as Denmark inflicted their heaviest competitive home defeat.
Well, well, well! It looks like the football gods decided to throw a party in Denmark while Portugal was just trying to pay tribute to their legendary player, Cristiano Ronaldo. In a surprising turn of events, Portugal was handed a heavy 4-1 defeat by Denmark in the Nations League, marking their first match since Ronaldo hung up his international boots. You have to wonder if the universe was saying, “Thanks for the memories, but we’re moving on now!”
The night was supposed to be a heartfelt homage to the man who has been the face of Portuguese football for nearly two decades. Players donned jerseys with Ronaldo’s iconic number seven, perhaps thinking that wearing his number would magically grant them his skills. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
Denmark, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by the tribute, showing up ready to play and reminding everyone that they too have some talent. Rasmus Hojlund, who’s probably still trying to figure out what all the fuss is about regarding Ronaldo, scored twice, leading his team to a convincing victory. If there was ever a way to send a message, it was through Hojlund’s two goals, which must have felt like a gentle nudge to Portugal saying, “Hey, it’s time for someone else to shine!”
As the match progressed, it became painfully clear that Portugal was struggling without their main man. Sure, they had a few moments where they looked like they might pull a rabbit out of a hat, but every time they approached Denmark’s goal, it was like watching a toddler try to play hide and seek—lots of effort, but not much success.
Denmark’s victory not only puts them on the brink of securing a spot in the Nations League quarterfinals, but it also raises some eyebrows about Portugal’s future without Ronaldo. Are they doomed to mediocrity? Will they ever find another player who can score like him? Or will they just have to settle for being a team that once had a superstar?
As the dust settles on this match, one thing is for sure: tributes are great and all, but they won’t help you win games. Portugal might need to rethink their strategy moving forward—maybe they should have considered wearing some of Hojlund’s jerseys instead? Just a thought!
In the end, it’s a bittersweet moment for football fans. We say goodbye to a legend, while Denmark is busy proving that they can still pack a punch in international football. So, here’s to Ronaldo—may your next chapter be just as exciting as your illustrious career. And to Portugal, well, good luck figuring it all out without your star player. Looks like it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
Inspired by: “Denmark thrash Portugal 4-1 on night of Ronaldo tributes” (r/News)