Portugal have won 4-2 in Denmark without Cristiano Ronaldo, a day after their captain left the national-team camp. Gonçalo Ramos scored and helped create the opener. But the biggest question hanging over Portugal has not been settled: Ronaldo has not announced his international retirement.
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How Portugal won in Copenhagen
Ramos was at the heart of Portugal's first-half work. He set up João Cancelo's opener, then finished a Bruno Fernandes pass to put Portugal back in front after Mikkel Damsgaard had equalised. Rasmus Højlund made it 2-2 early in the second half, but Vitinha headed Portugal ahead again and João Félix finished a counterattack to seal it.
It was Portugal's third win from three Nations League group games. The performance gives Jorge Jesus plenty to take into Sunday's home meeting with Norway, particularly from Ramos, who started up front and made a direct contribution to two goals.
Where does that leave Ronaldo?
Ronaldo left the camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday after Jesus's press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. The federation confirmed his departure. Ronaldo said he would explain his reasons in due course and wished his team-mates well.
That is not a retirement announcement. Ronaldo has left this gathering, and he did not play against Denmark, but neither he nor the federation has said that his Portugal career is over. He was also an unused substitute in the 2-1 win away to Norway last Sunday. Jesus said he had considered bringing him on before changing his mind as the match unfolded.
After the Denmark win, Jesus chose to focus on the football. Asked whether he regretted talking about players' status, he said he did not and maintained that the same rules apply to everyone. He did not explain the conversation that preceded Ronaldo's exit.
What happens next?
Portugal face Norway at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday 4 October. Jesus has indicated there will be time to discuss Ronaldo after that match. Until Ronaldo or the federation gives a clearer answer, any claim that he has quit international football for good is speculation.
For now, Portugal have a convincing away win and an unresolved question about their captain. Follow their next match in the LiveFootballNow Nations League centre. The UEFA match report confirms the result and scorers; EFE reported the federation's confirmation and Ronaldo's message.