Portugal made it two wins from two in their UEFA Nations League title defence, beating Norway in a lively Group A4 clash at the Ullevaal Stadion. The night ended with one huge decision on the team sheet and one goalkeeping blunder that swung the match.
The Big Team Sheet Call
The biggest talking point came before kickoff. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, started Portugal’s opening win over Wales, but head coach Jorge Jesus left him out in Oslo and picked Gonçalo Ramos as the starting striker. Ronaldo never came on, and he watched the whole match from the bench.
How the Match Unfolded
Portugal opened the scoring in the 17th minute. João Félix collected the ball on the edge of the box, steadied himself and placed a fine finish into the bottom corner to silence the home crowd. Norway pushed back before the break, and Diogo Costa and Rúben Dias were both needed to keep Erling Haaland out. Portugal reached halftime still in front.
Norway leveled early in the second half through the obvious source. Haaland fired home from close range in the 51st minute after Patrick Berg headed on an Martin Ødegaard free-kick. It was Haaland’s 22nd UEFA Nations League goal, extending his own record in the competition.
A Costly Mistake
The equalizer lasted barely three minutes. In the 54th minute, Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland tried to play out from the back and passed the ball straight to Ramos, who calmly chipped it over him into the net. Nyland was nearly punished again when Ramos finished another chance, only for VAR to rule it out for the tightest of offsides.
Norway Push, Portugal Hold
Norway had plenty of the ball in the closing stages and created several chances to draw level. Costa had to scramble to keep out a Haaland header from Antonio Nusa’s cross, and Sander Berge also saw an effort saved. Portugal defended with discipline and held on to their lead.
What It Means
Portugal now have six points from two games, a strong start to the defence of their title, and Jorge Jesus has won his first two matches in charge. Leaving out Ronaldo and being rewarded for it will feed plenty of debate around the national team. Norway, who beat Denmark 3-2 on the opening matchday, sit on three points. They will feel they did enough to get something, and Nyland’s error will hurt. Portugal travel to Denmark on October 1, while Norway visit Porto on October 4.
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