Portugal extended their winning start to their UEFA Nations League title defence, securing a 2-1 victory against Norway in Oslo on Sunday. Goncalo Ramos, who started the match in place of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, proved the difference-maker as the defending champions picked up back-to-back wins in Group A4. World Cup quarterfinalists Norway were left to rue some wasteful finishing in front of goal as they failed to build on their opening 3-2 win over Denmark.
Ronaldo, who remained on the bench for the duration of the match, had not been excluded from a Portugal starting lineup in a Nations League fixture since September 2024. Manager Jorge Jesus continues to rotate his squad during this expanded international break, a strategy that has seen the team bounce back effectively from their disappointment in the World Cup round of 16 against Spain, following their recent 1-0 success over Wales. Having also beaten Wales 1-0 in Group A4 on Thursday, jorge Jesus’s men have responded well to their tame World Cup last-16 loss to Spain.
Norway struggled to capitalize on their opportunities despite controlling periods of the game. Early in the first half, Erling Haaland missed a volley from a Martin Odegaard cross, and Joao Felix punished the hosts shortly after by firing a precise low strike into the corner in the 17th minute. Although Haaland nearly leveled the score, he was repeatedly thwarted by goalkeeper Diogo Costa and a crucial goal-line block from Manchester City teammate Ruben Dias.
The Norwegian striker eventually found the net six minutes into the second half, converting a header from Patrick Berg. However, parity was short-lived. In a calamitous error, Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland played the ball directly to Ramos, who chipped it back into the net to restore the lead. Portugal nearly extended their advantage when a Rafael Leao strike rattled the crossbar, while a second potential goal from Ramos was disallowed following a marginal VAR offside review. Costa foiled the Norway talisman again 10 minutes before half-time as the goalkeeper made an excellent stop from Haaland’s downward header. Rafael Leao had a shot deflected onto the crossbar as Portugal pushed to make the game safe.
Despite a frantic finish where Norway sent goalkeeper Nyland forward in search of a late equalizer, Portugal held firm to maintain their perfect start. Reflecting on the result, Ramos described the encounter as a significant victory against a formidable opponent. He noted the team is adapting well to the tactical shifts introduced by Jesus, emphasizing that the squad remains committed to continuous improvement. “From here on, it’s all about improving and ironing out the kinks. We want to win every game. We’re always focused on victory in every match,” Ramos added.
