Portugal: The first game without Cristiano Ronaldo is a disaster: a shocking defeat
Portugal’s first match of the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era is a disaster. Jorge Jesus’s team was crushed 4-1 by Denmark in the match for Matchday 5 of Group 4 in League A of the Nations League. It’s the first loss in the competition for the Portuguese, who remain firmly in first place with a three-point lead over the Danes. But the post-CR7 era certainly hasn’t gotten off to the best start, and there’s sure to be controversy back home.
At the start of the match, Portugal paid tribute to its star player: all the players wanted to honor their former captain and took the field wearing the iconic No. 7 jersey. Fans at the Estadio Municipal in Braga dedicated a choreographed display to the champion, with the words “Thank you, Captain” prominently displayed in the stands for a long time. In the seventh minute of the match, the entire stadium gave him a standing ovation.
On the field, however, disaster struck: up front, Milan’s Gonçalo Ramos had a difficult night, as did the creative players, João Félix, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes. Denmark, on the other hand, was clinical: Hojbjerg scored the opening goal on a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, and in the second half, the Scandinavians pulled away thanks to a two-goal performance by the unstoppable Hojlund, who seems like a completely different player for the national team than the one seen at Napoli.
Andersen’s goal in the 75th minute sealed Denmark’s incredible night with a 4-0 victory in front of a frozen crowd. Bernardo Silva’s consolation goal came in the 93rd minute.
After FIFA rejected the request to retire the number 7, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) decided to modify the design of the number, adding a small internal dash to distinguish Ronaldo’s 7 from the ones worn by other players. “It’s an alternative way to immortalize the significance of such a special number and honor the legacy it represents,” the FPF explained in a statement, noting that the new design retains “the same essence and the same pride,” while reserving the old No. 7 “to immortalize Cristiano’s legacy.” The initiative to have everyone take the field wearing the number 7 was agreed upon by federation president Pedro Proença, Jorge Jesus, and the three captains—Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Bruno Fernandes. The decision has divided opinion: for some, it’s an elegant gesture; for others, a bit forced. There was also surprise over the assignment of the new No. 7 to Carlos Forbs, a forward for Club Brugge, as Rafael Leão had been considered the favorite to carry on the legacy.
Ronaldo had announced his retirement from the national team on November 5, at age 41, bringing to a close a career spanning over 23 years with 234 appearances and 146 goals—all-time records at the international level. CR7 will continue his career with Al-Nassr, aiming for 1,000 professional goals. His departure came after a falling-out in late September with the head coach and the Federation, his walkout from training camp, and his subsequent outburst on social media—all of which resulted in a disciplinary measure (a mere 255-euro fine) that left many scratching their heads.
