The Seleção overcame a drama-filled last few days to defeat an injury-depleted Danish side 4-2 in Copenhagen last night. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure dominating headlines, Ramos stepped in and delivered a fine performance, scoring his 13th international goal in 29 appearances.
Both Bruno Fernandes and João Cancelo returned to form and João Félix put the match out of reach late on with his 15th goal for Portugal.
Starters
Diogo Costa – 6
Not much he could do about Damsgaard’s delicately curled strike nor Højlund’s chipped effort. Only dealt with one other shot on target even though the hosts threatened often.
Nuno Mendes – 8
Gave young Adam Daghim a torrid time across the opening 45 minutes. Showed pace and hunger, driving hard on goal and flashing an effort wide of Hermansen in the 32nd minute. Left defensive gaps when pushed too high upfield at times, but typically excellent and a real problem for the hosts all evening, completing 4/5 dribbles, 1 key pass, 2 tackles, 2 interceptions and 4 clearances.
Renato Veiga – 6
After Norway brought out his inner beast, Veiga was far more subdued tonight with only about half as many touches as Dias. At times seemed as if he wasn’t on the pitch.
Rúben Dias – 6.5
Got in a crucial 7’ touch to clear the ball from danger then continued playing more solid, if unspectacular, defence. Let Højlund get wrong side of him to score the Danish equaliser. Recorded a match-high 7 clearances.
João Cancelo – 7.5
Much improved from Cancelo defensively although Daramy kept him on his toes. Caught the hosts by surprise, intercepting the ball then bursting through down the left channel to receive Ramos’ throughball and chip Hermansen for the opener. Another great cross to Leão later in the first half.
Rúben Neves – 7
Still not a defensive powerhouse but certainly improved tonight. Could have been tighter to Daramy and Damsgaard ahead of the latter’s goal. Shot straight at the keeper in the 35’ then lashed in a 63’ near-post strike which Hermansen got down well to parry. And what a majestic outside of the boot release of Dalot to set up Félix’s late goal!
Vitinha – 7
Looked a bit more confident going forward, getting off a 7’ shot straight at the keeper. Floated in and out of the match then emerged to score his first ever goal for Portugal with a fine header in the second half. Involved in some silky movements, completing 43/48 passes.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Wore the captain’s armband which seemed to inspire him. Played a good back-post cross for Mendes in the 9th minute. Gave the ball away to set up a Danish opportunity in the 18’ but made up for that with a brilliantly weighted ball to play in Ramos for the second goal. Hard effort forcing Hermansen into an early second half save. Nice dinked cross over Ramos’ shoulder in the 62’ then played a glorious ball to the smallest man on the pitch to head in from close range.
Rafael Leão – 7
Wearing the iconic No.7, the Galatasaray man had a good near post effort saved in the 22’ and should have scored when the ball found him again after the ensuing corner kick. Cut inside to pass for Ramos ahead of the second goal then found Ramos again with good ball down the left in the 40th minute. Could do a lot more off-the-ball work, but a generally positive performance ending just past the hour mark with two dribbles, two key passes and 90% passing on 29 touches.
Pedro Neto – 5.5
His mishit effort found Ramos for a shot off the woodwork in the first half. Tried to go for goal himself on a 59’ counter with 4 available runners alongside him. Some spicy challenges from the Chelsea man, who has yet to put in a commanding performance for Portugal despite finishing with four key passes (tied-1st) last night.
Gonçalo Ramos – 8.5, PortuGOAL.net’s Man of the Match
An eventful night for the Milan striker in Ronaldo’s absence. Struck the left upright then played in Cancelo to score the opener. Delicious back-heeled touch to Bruno then powered ahead to receive his return pass and deceive the keeper with a clever toe-poked finish. Had another good effort turned behind for a corner five minutes before halftime. Three key passes and six shots on only 28 touches for O Pistoleiro.
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Substitutes
Francisco Trinção – 6
Might not have seen the pitch were Chico available. Maintained Portugal’s defensive shape but provided little help going forward.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Great 87’ run into space then looked as if he shown a bit too much of the ball to Maehle before squeezing in a pass to Félix, who buried Portugal’s 4th of the match.
João Félix – 7
Scored for the third match running and had a late chance for a brace as well.
João Neves – 6
Finds himself on the outside looking in all of a sudden, and was only given about ten minutes to contribute any reminder of his immense talent.
