The Portuguese national team, several hours after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, aims to approach qualification for the Nations League if it can maintain its perfect winning record in Group A4 during the match in Denmark.
Nations League
Last Wednesday, the national team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds records for most games (234) and goals (146), created a 'bomb' in the national team by voluntarily leaving the training camp in the Danish capital. This happened after coach Jorge Jesus announced that the 41-year-old forward would start the match from the substitute bench again.
Previously, in Oslo last Sunday, Ronaldo did not take the field against Norway, despite actively warming up for most of the second half. After the final whistle, he left the field dissatisfied and did not join his teammates in thanking the fans at the stadium.
After this, the forward missed all national team training sessions and left the squad on his own initiative on Thursday.
Bruno Fernandes will return to the team, having missed the game against the Norwegians due to health problems. As for João Félix, who scored in Alvalade and Oslo, his participation remains uncertain, although he is expected to recover in time for the starting lineup. Francisco Conceição is also considered a likely absentee due to injury.
Defenders Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, and João Cancelo are at risk of missing the match next Sunday against Norway at the 'Dragon' Stadium in Porto if they receive a yellow card. The same applies to midfielders João Palhinha, Vitinha, and Bernardo Silva.
While coach Brian Rimmer is facing heavy criticism in his country, some fans are demanding his dismissal. Denmark continues its run of six official matches without a defeat at home and has suffered only one loss at its permanent 'fortress'—Parken Stadium—in the last four years.
Portugal is in first place in Group A4 with six points, while Norway and Denmark have three points each, and Wales has yet to score any.
The Denmark vs. Portugal match is scheduled for 20:45 local time (19:45 Lisbon time) and will be officiated by Ukrainian referee Mykola Balakin.