Portugal face Denmark in first Nations League match after Ronaldo retirement
The national team begins a new era at Braga Municipal Stadium following the departure of long-standing captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal will play their first match without Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday, November 14, against Denmark in a UEFA Nations League Group A4 fixture. According to Al Jazeera, the match is scheduled for 7:45pm at the Braga Municipal Stadium in Braga, Portugal.
The 41-year-old former captain and record scorer ended his 23-year association with the Selecao last week. Ronaldo announced his retirement via a social media video following a public rift with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.
Portugal have already secured a place in the quarterfinals. They can clinch the top spot in the group if they do not lose to Denmark, who currently sit second in the standings.
Denmark's path to the last eight requires a victory against Portugal and a result where Norway does not beat third-placed Wales. Rasmus Hojlund has scored three of Denmark's seven goals in the competition so far.
The Portuguese squad will be missing Joao Cancelo and Francisco Conceicao due to suspension. Rafael Leao, Nuno Mendes, and Nuno Tavares are also unavailable because of injuries.
Opta’s supercomputer gives Portugal a 59.4 per cent chance of winning the match, while Denmark has a 19.4 per cent probability. There is a 21.2 per cent chance of a draw.