Portugal showed they did not need Cristiano Ronaldo by becoming the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the Nations League when they beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday.
The champion striker walked out of the team camp last week when coach Jorge Jesus relegated him to the bench in their first match against Norway, having been reportedly told he wouldn’t start in their subsequent match against Denmark either.
After the game, Jesus said he was prepared to allow the 41-year-old to return to the national team – but that it would have to be the player’s decision.
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“If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team … we can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide,” Jesus told reporters.
French magazine L’Equipe has reported Portuguese officials are planning a farewell game for the nation’s greatest ever player, with Jesus open to the proposal.
However, Ronaldo’s relationship with the manager could prove a barrier to a comeback – as well as having liked an Instagram post from former Brazil international Felipe Melo criticising Portugal’s handling of the situation.
“I see a grotesque difference in the players’ treatment with Cristiano Ronaldo in relation to Argentina players with (Lionel) Messi,” Melo said.
“I see much more respect from the opponents who play against Cristiano Ronaldo, I think that’s wrong.
“No one reaches the level of Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s unacceptable.
“You can’t let the best player in history leave like that, as if nothing had happened. You can’t.”
Goncalo Ramos secured victory in the 86th minute after Joao Cancelo’s powerful finish had levelled Kristoffer Ajer’s stunning opener from outside the penalty area for World Cup quarter-finalists Norway.
Jurgen Klopp’s Germany failed to break down a resolute Greek side in a goalless stalemate in Thessaloniki.
Germany had the ball in the net through Eintracht Frankfurt forward Jonathan Burkardt in the first half but his effort was disallowed.
Klopp’s record as new German boss now reads: lost one, won one, drawn one.
The Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s winner to move top of their Nations League group.
The Manchester United forward was a second-half substitute in Eindhoven and applied the decisive touch with a tap-in from Tijjani Reijnders’ cross.
The match also marked Virgil van Dijk’s 100th international appearance.
New Netherlands coach Xavi is unbeaten after four games, with two wins and two draws.
Wales lost again, as Rasmus Hojlund slotted in a 75th minute penalty to earn Denmark a 1-0 win in Cardiff.
Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward had kept the Danes at bay with a string of saves but he conceded the penalty when he fouled Denmark midfielder Gustav Isaksen.