Ronaldo-less Portugal suffer Nations League hammering at hands of Denmark

Portugal were hammered 4-1 by Denmark on Saturday, 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 Saturday's disaster isn't a sign of things to come.

"There are no nights to forget; it was a night of learning, of seeing the mistakes we made," said Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

"Denmark were also very clinical -- they scored from the chances they had and it was a match where things ultimately went wrong for us."

Ahead of kick-off Portugal paid tribute to Ronaldo, who announced his exit from the international game last week, with the team and mascots walking out wearing Ronaldo's number seven and his name on their jerseys.

Fans held up a huge banner which read "Thank you captain" as the teams entered the field, while applause rolled around the stadium once the match clock hit seven.

Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and went on to establish world records for goals and appearances in international football, netting 146 times in 234 matches.

The highlight of his international career was winning Euro 2016, but it ended badly when the 41-year-old fell out with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over not being selected for a Nations League fixture in September.