Dhaka, Oct. 2 -- Cristiano Ronaldo was hundreds of kilometres away, but Portugal could hardly escape his presence in Copenhagen.

Jorge Jesus was jeered by some supporters before kick-off and backed by others inside Parken. Goncalo Ramos, whose selection had become entwined with the row, scored. Rafael Leão wore Ronaldo's No. 7 shirt. Even Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund marked his goal with the Portuguese captain's familiar celebration.

By the end of the night, Portugal had beaten Denmark 4-2 and produced what both Jesus and Vitinha regarded as their best performance so far under the new coach.

But the victory did not make the turmoil surrounding the national team disappear.

Ronaldo had abruptly left Portugal's camp the previous d...