Denmark vs Portugal: UEFA Nations League – Ronaldo, Hojlund, teams, form

What the report says

Portugal head to Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Thursday for a UEFA Nations League Group A4 meeting with Denmark, with the reigning champions trying to extend a perfect start to the campaign. Al Jazeera reports that Portugal have six points from two matches after beating Wales and Norway, while Denmark sit second-bottom in the group with three points after a loss in Norway and a home win over Wales.

The main selection question surrounds Cristiano Ronaldo. Jorge Jesus left the 41-year-old forward on the bench for Portugal’s previous match and did not use him, prompting debate about whether he starts in Copenhagen. Portugal still have other attacking options, including Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix, both of whom have been productive in the early group games. Denmark will rely on Rasmus Hojlund, Gustav Isaksen and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, although they are dealing with injuries to Patrick Dorgu and Albert Gronbaek.

The fixture carries added context because the teams last met in March 2025, when Portugal won a quarterfinal second leg 5-2. Denmark coach Brian Riemer has argued that Ronaldo’s importance should not be underestimated, while Jesus said his decision not to use the captain against Norway was based on the flow of the match rather than fitness concerns.

The match is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, at 8:45pm local time in Copenhagen, with Al Jazeera Sport providing live coverage and build-up.