Denmark thrashes Portugal on its first night of the post-Cristiano era

It was Portugal's first match after Cristiano Ronaldo's withdrawal from the national team. The first without him, without his captain. But he was present, very present. Not literally, physically, since the Al Nassr player did not attend the match in Braga yesterday, but in memory. The national team wanted to pay tribute to what is probably the best player in its history. And without him probably.

The number 7, the one that identifies Cristiano so much, will continue to be seen on Portugal's red shirt due to the requirements of UEFA regulations, but it will do so in a different way, as could already be seen in the match against Denmark. From now on, the number 7, which Carlos Forbs now wears, will have a different font than the rest of the numbers and a white line in the center. This is how all the local footballers looked when they took to the field with the shirt in tribute to the Madeira star.

And this is also how the Portuguese Federation explained it: «This is another way to immortalize the meaning of such a special number and pay tribute to the legacy it represents. Because there are stories, memories, achievements and emotions that will remain forever linked to Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Obrigado, Capitão” (Thank you, captain) could be read on a gigantic banner with images of Ronaldo. And well, their new captain is now Bruno Fernandes. Seven minutes later, in a match still without a clear dominator, Municipal de Braga burst into applause, once again remembering the idol.

The match progressed with an uncomfortable Portugal, forced to play backwards under pressure from Denmark, which pressed but did not finish its attacks. The Nordics wasted a chance in the 20th minute, without a goalkeeper, but Veiga reacted in time to clear and keep the score at zero. Perhaps it was the trigger for Jorge Jesús's men to shake off their nap and begin to enter the game.

João Félix had some one-on-one with Hermansen, although in an offside position. But the hand that gave Denmark the lead was that of Rúben Dias, who took it for a walk inside the area and caused the Slovenian Obrenovic to award a penalty after the VAR review. Højbjerg was in charge of converting it into a goal before the break.

And as it ended, the second part began. A perfect volley from Hojlund made it 0-2 just five minutes after returning to the pitch. The Napoli player is a great striker, a pure nine, and he confirmed it again with the third, with a superb shot. The fourth was another unstoppable one, this time Anderser, with a header after a corner.

Bernardo Silva, who had entered in the 79th minute, scored with a goal at 90+3. It was the night to honor Cristiano, to perhaps win in his honor, but it was difficult for Portugal to show a quality that it has, but that it does not fully express on the green. Thus begins their new era, with a defeat, a rout by Denmark. Thus begins his post-Cristiano.ristiano era.