BRAGA, Nov 15 — Portugal were hammered 4-1 by Denmark yesterday, an embarrassing Nations League defeat in their first match without Cristiano Ronaldo following the superstar forward’s retirement from international football.

Rasmus Hojlund starred with a superb brace as Denmark moved into second place in Group A4 and closed in on a spot in the quarter-finals with a brilliant display in Braga.

The Danes are on nine points from five fixtures, three behind Portugal who were already sure of qualification for the last eight having won all four of their previous group fixtures.

A draw against third-placed Norway on Tuesday, 3-1 winners over Wales earlier, will see Denmark through while Portugal hope that yesterday’s disaster isn’t a sign of things to come.