Denmark and Portugal meet at Parken in Copenhagen on Thursday, October 1, in the third round of Nations League League A Group 4. Portugal lead the section with six points from two matches, while Denmark have three and need a result to avoid allowing the defending champions to open up a significant early gap.
Portugal’s transition from Roberto Martínez to Jorge Jesus has started smoothly. The reigning Nations League champions opened with a 1-0 victory over Wales before winning 2-1 away to Norway, giving Jesus a perfect six points from his first two competitive matches in charge. João Félix scored in both games, while Gonçalo Ramos grabbed the winner in Oslo.
The Norway match was particularly significant because Portugal won without Cristiano Ronaldo starting or even coming off the bench. Jesus has already demonstrated that reputation alone will not determine his selections, and Portugal have enough attacking depth to rotate between Ronaldo, Ramos, Félix, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto and Francisco Trincão.
There is also good news concerning Bruno Fernandes. He missed the Norway game because of physical discomfort but returned to full training on Monday without limitations and is available to face Denmark. Francisco Conceição is less certain after suffering a knock in Oslo and remains under medical observation.
Portugal: Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; João Palhinha, João Neves; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix; Gonçalo Ramos.
