Denmark thrash Ronaldo-less Portugal 4-1 in the Nations League as Hojlund scores twice

Portugal suffered a heavy blow in their first match since Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international football, losing 4-1 to Denmark in a Nations League match in Braga on Saturday. Rasmus Hojlund was the hero of Denmark's win with two goals.

The victory lifted Denmark into second place in Group A4. They have nine points from five fixtures, three behind group leaders Portugal, who had already secured a place in the last eight after winning all four of their previous group fixtures.

Denmark now need only a draw against third-placed Norway on Tuesday to reach the quarterfinals. Earlier on Saturday, Norway beat Wales 3-1.

Before kickoff, Portugal paid tribute to Ronaldo. The team and the mascots walked out wearing Ronaldo's number seven jerseys with his name on them. As the teams entered the field, fans held up a huge banner that read 'Thank you, captain', and applause rolled around the stadium when the match clock hit seven minutes.

Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and went on to set world records for goals and appearances in international football, scoring 146 times in 234 matches. The highlight of his international career was winning Euro 2016.

The ending, however, was unhappy for the 41-year-old star. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner fell out with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over not being selected for a Nations League fixture in September. The Portuguese football federation handed him a 30-day suspension over that row, and his retirement followed. On Saturday's display, Portugal looked like a side that needed Ronaldo in his prime.

Denmark were the better team from the first minute. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's penalty in the 43rd minute sent the visitors into the break ahead.

Four minutes after the restart, Hojlund lashed home a brilliant volley to double the lead. Seven minutes later the Napoli striker skipped past Ruben Dias and crashed home a powerful shot from the edge of the area for his second, leaving the home crowd shellshocked.

When Joachim Andersen headed in the fourth, boos and whistles rang out at the Estadio Municipal. Bernardo Silva's late consolation goal barely dampened the discontent.

In Oslo the same day, Antonio Nusa opened the scoring for Norway just before the hour mark with a fine low strike. Andreas Schjelderup tapped home a perfect low cross from Erling Haaland, who rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot two minutes from time. David Brooks' chipped finish in the 79th minute briefly gave Wales hope, but Craig Bellamy's team will finish bottom of the group and risk relegation to League B.