As players from the two teams shook hands after the match at Parken, Copenhagen on the evening of 1/10, coach Jesus approached Hojlund to shake hands and lightly patted his chest. The Denmark forward immediately responded with a push that made the 72-year-old coach step back. Jesus smiled, while Hojlund maintained a serious expression before leaving. No arguments or altercations occurred afterward.

During the match, after scoring the equalizer to make it 2-2 in the 55th minute, Hojlund also jumped, turned, and spread his arms in the Portugal captain's famous "Siu" celebration. This celebration could be interpreted as a tribute to an idol, but there is no basis to conclude it was linked to the post-match incident.

Some British newspapers hypothesized Hojlund acted in response to Jesus dropping Ronaldo from the starting lineup. However, no statements from Hojlund, Jesus, or either federation have confirmed this explanation. Footage also shows the Portugal coach was the one who touched Hojlund first, with the 23-year-old player responding almost immediately.

Hojlund pushes coach Jesus after Denmark - Portugal match on 1/10. Video: X

Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp a day before the match. He had not played in the 2-1 victory against Norway despite warming up, and Jesus then informed him he would continue to be on the bench against Denmark. The 41-year-old forward stated he would announce the reason for leaving the team at an appropriate time, while the Portuguese Football Federation only confirmed he would not continue to train with the team.

Against Denmark, Portugal consistently held the upper hand, taking the lead in the 13th minute through Joao Cancelo. Mikkel Damsgaard equalized for the hosts in the 23rd minute, but just a minute later, Goncalo Ramos restored the visitors' advantage. Hojlund brought the game back to level at the start of the second half after breaking away to receive a pass from Damsgaard and chipping the ball over goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Denmark could not maintain their momentum after the equalizer. Vitinha helped Portugal lead 3-2 in the 67th minute, before two substitutes combined to seal the score in the 88th minute. Francisco Trincao broke down the right and cut back for Joao Felix to finish near the penalty spot.

Coach Jorge Jesus directs during Portugal's 4-2 victory over Denmark at Parken, Copenhagen on 1/10 evening. Photo: Reuters

This third consecutive victory helped Portugal maintain a perfect record under Jesus and established a six-point lead in the group. After the match, the Portugal coach did not comment on the interaction with Hojlund or Ronaldo's departure. He only emphasized that the players trust the coaching staff's tactical ideas and praised the team's pressing ability.

Vy Anh