Portugal continued their impressive run without captain Cristiano Ronaldo by coming from behind to beat Norway 2-1 and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League.
The result was their second victory over Norway by the same score in the space of a few days, following Sunday’s meeting. It also kept Jorge Jesus’ side at the top of Group D and strengthened the sense that Portugal possess the attacking options to compete successfully as a new generation begins to emerge.
Norway made the brighter start and went close to taking the lead in the 26th minute. Diogo Costa denied Antonio Nusa with an excellent save, but the hosts were ahead 10 minutes later.
Martin Ødegaard delivered a free-kick from deep and Kristoffer Ajer took advantage of the opportunity, striking powerfully into the net in the 36th minute.
Portugal responded almost immediately. Joao Cancelo brought them level in the 38th minute with a superb finish from inside the penalty area after Nuno Mendes had taken a throw-in. The teams went into the interval level at 1-1.
The pace dropped after the break, although Norway came close to restoring their advantage in the 61st minute when Erling Haaland’s effort went narrowly wide. The striker was forced to leave the field six minutes later after suffering an injury.
With the match appearing likely to end in a draw, Portugal found the decisive goal in the 79th minute. Vitinha began the move before Joao Felix supplied the final pass for Goncalo Ramos, who turned it into the net to put the visitors ahead.
Portugal had to withstand pressure after Francisco Conceicao was sent off in the 86th minute, but they held on to claim a victory that underlined their ability to find solutions without Ronaldo.
The result leaves Portugal leading Group D and through to the last eight of the competition, while Norway were left to rue missed opportunities after Haaland’s departure.
In the group’s other match, Denmark moved into second place with a 1-0 victory over Wales. Rasmus Højlund scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.
Denmark are now three points clear of both Norway and Wales.
