Portugal maintained their perfect record in the UEFA Nations League with a 2-1 win over Norway, securing a place in the quarter-finals and shift the focus further away from Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt exit from the squad last week.
Norway took the lead in the 36th minute when centre-back Kristoffer Ajer, who hit a dipping half-volley from the edge of the box.
Portugal responded two minutes later through Joao Cancelo, who struck a powerful effort to equalise the level score.
Goncalo Ramos netted 11 minutes from time to ensure Portugal secured a top-two finish in Group A4 as they moved six points ahead of second-placed Denmark, who won 1-0 at Wales.
Ramos’ winner came off his calf after Joao Felix had headed across goal for him to score.
Portugal were still under a cloud from Ronaldo’s dispute with coach Jorge Jesus, although they were triumphant without him in Denmark last Thursday after he walked out on the squad, and continued their winning ways in Porto.
“You need a lot of technical quality to beat Norway,” Portugal coach, Jorge Jesus, said. “We won without putting in a performance like the one against Denmark.
“But the important thing was the victory and qualification. I had a lot of belief in this team, but perhaps I didn’t expect us to have four wins from our first four games.”
Portugal’s win was soured by a late red card for Francisco Conceicao four minutes from time. He gave the referee a cynical thumbs up after receiving a yellow card and was immediately handed his marching orders.
Sunday’s UEFA Nations league results
Greece 0-0 Germany
Netherlands 2-1 serbia
Portugal 2-1 Norway
Wales 0-1 Denmark
Kosovo 1-1 Austria
Ireland 1-1 Israel
Malta 1-0 Andorra
Azerbaijan 1-0 Lithuania.
