Portugal suffer heavy UEFA Nations League defeat to Denmark

Pierre-Emile Holbjerg opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 43 minutes ahead of a second-half Rasmus Hojlund brace after 50 and 57 minutes.

Joachim Andesen put the result beyond doubt with his goal on 75 minutes ahead of a Bernardo Silva consolation in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the game.

The result left Portugal in first place in Group D with 12 points from five matches.

Denmark are in second with nine points, followed by Norway (six) and Wales (three).

Portugal were in competitive action for the first time without Cristiano Ronaldo, after he announced his retirment from internatonal football last week, and his teammates paid tribute to their talismanic captain by walking onto the pitch all wearing Ronaldo shirts.

The display was anything but inspirational though as Hojbjerg broke the deadlock from the penalty spot following a handball decision against Ruben Dias.

Former Manchester United striker Hojlund smashed home a brilliant volley four minutes after the restart, and hit an even better effort past a hapless Diogo Costa in the Portugal goal seven minutes later.

Andersen headed in the fourth before Silva's late consolation with a close-range finish after Joao Neves' effort was saved,

This was Portugal's first loss after winning their opening four Nations League matches. They are next in action against Wales on Tuesday.

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