Portugal vs Denmark: UEFA Nations League – predictions, how to watch, teams | Football
Portugal Meets Denmark in UEFA Nations League Clash Amid Transition
Braga, Portugal — Portugal’s national football team will play its first match since the retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo, facing Denmark at Braga Municipal Stadium on Saturday, November 14, at 7:45 PM GMT. This fixture is part of the UEFA Nations League, Group A4.
Ronaldo, the record scorer and long-time captain of the Portuguese team, announced his retirement from international football last week via a video message. The 41-year-old’s departure marks a significant shift for the team, as they prepare to move forward without their most prominent player. Ronaldo’s exit follows a public disagreement with Portugal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, and he expressed it was time to “pass it on to the future.”
Portugal has already secured its place in the quarterfinals of the competition, but they will officially clinch the group title if they avoid defeat against Denmark, who currently occupies second place in the standings.
In Ronaldo’s absence, forwards Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix have stepped up, each scoring three goals during the tournament. Denmark will be relying on Rasmus Hojlund, who has contributed three of his team’s seven goals so far.
Denmark faces a more challenging route to advance, needing a victory over Portugal and a favor from Norway, who must lose to Wales to help Denmark’s chances.
Recent Performance
Portugal remains unbeaten in the Nations League, having won all four of their matches to date. They opened their title defense with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wales, followed by a 2-1 win against Norway, where Ronaldo did not participate. Subsequently, Portugal managed to defeat Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen and concluded with a second win against Norway, confirming their quarterfinal berth.
Denmark has recorded two wins and two losses in their Nations League campaign. After starting with a 3-2 defeat against Norway, they made a comeback with a 2-0 win over Wales, but then lost again to Portugal before beating Wales 1-0 away.
Last Encounter
When Portugal and Denmark last met on October 1, Portugal won decisively with a score of 4-2. Goals from Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, and Felix secured the victory, while Denmark’s Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Hojlund scored for the hosts.
Team News
Portugal will miss players Joao Cancelo and Francisco Conceicao due to suspension, alongside injuries to Rafael Leao, Nuno Mendes, and Nuno Tavares. The expected lineup includes Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Flavio Nazinho; Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Joao Felix, and Goncalo Ramos.
Denmark will be without Patrick Dorgu and must manage their squad carefully, as six players are one yellow card away from suspension. Their probable starting XI features Mads Hermansen; Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Joakim Maehle; Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg; Gustav Isaksen, Mikkel Damsgaard, Mohamed Daramy; and Rasmus Hojlund.
Broadcasting Information
The match will be available on various channels, including Sport TV Portugal, TV2 PLAY in Denmark, beIN SPORTS in the Middle East and North Africa, Prime Video UK, and FOX Sports in the United States, among others. Fans can access a full list of broadcasters on UEFA’s official website.
