Portugal made it two wins from two in UEFA Nations League A Group 4 with a 2-1 victory over Norway at Ullevaal Stadion, João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos scoring either side of Erling Haaland's equaliser. Cristiano Ronaldo remained an unused substitute as Jorge Jesus's side ended Norway's long home unbeaten run and moved top of the group on six points.
Match facts
- Result: Norway 1-2 Portugal (half-time 0-1)
- Competition: UEFA Nations League A, Group 4, Matchday 2
- Venue: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo
- Scorers: Norway - E. Haaland 51' (assist P. Berg); Portugal - João Félix 17' (assist Pedro Neto), Gonçalo Ramos 54'
- Red cards: None
- Next: Denmark v Portugal, Thursday 1 October; Wales v Norway, Thursday 1 October; then Portugal v Norway, Sunday 4 October
How the match unfolded
Portugal struck first in the 17th minute. Pedro Neto found João Félix, who finished calmly from the edge of the box for his second goal in as many Nations League appearances — following his winner against Wales on Jorge Jesus's debut.
Norway dominated the ball and created the clearer chances before the break. Diogo Costa denied Haaland early, Rúben Dias produced a diving block when Costa spilled into Haaland's path, and Costa later saved two Haaland headers. Portugal still led 1-0 at half-time despite Norway's 62% possession and heavier shot count.
Six minutes into the second half Norway were level. Patrick Berg's assist set up Haaland for a close-range finish — his 65th international goal and a record-extending 22nd in the Nations League, according to BBC Sport. The Manchester City striker had scored a brace in Norway's 3-2 opening win over Denmark three days earlier.
The lead lasted only three minutes. Ørjan Nyland's misplaced pass went straight to Ramos, who chipped into an empty net for 2-1. Later, after another Nyland error, Ramos finished again only for VAR to rule the strike offside. Substitute Rafael Leão saw a deflected effort hit the bar as Portugal protected the advantage. Ronaldo stayed on the bench throughout; Bruno Fernandes was left out injured.
There were no red cards. François Letexier refereed. Norway finished with 22 shots to Portugal's 12 but could not force a second equaliser; Haaland headed wide late from an Andreas Schjelderup cross.
What it means for Group 4
Portugal sit top of League A Group 4 on six points from two wins, with a +2 goal difference. Norway are second on three points (W1 L1), level with Denmark, who beat Wales 2-0 earlier on Sunday. Wales remain on zero. The holders have now opened a Nations League campaign with consecutive wins for the fourth time in five editions under successive coaches — and Jesus has two from two since taking charge.
What happens next
On Thursday 1 October Denmark host Portugal in Copenhagen and Wales face Norway in Cardiff. The group returns on Sunday 4 October with Portugal v Norway in Porto and Wales v Denmark in Cardiff — a rematch of Denmark's 2-0 win at Parken.