Portugal Beat Norway 2-1 as Haaland’s 65th International Goal Proves in Vain
Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in Oslo to end the hosts’ 14-match unbeaten home run and take control of Nations League Group A4. Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos scored for Jorge Jesus’ side, while Erling Haaland reached 65 international goals in defeat.
Portugal strike first in fast Ullevaal start
Cristiano Ronaldo began on the bench as Portugal went into the Ullevaal Stadion clash without their Al-Nassr captain in the starting line-up. The expected Haaland-versus-Ronaldo contest instead opened at a relentless pace.
Joao Neves, turning 22, almost gave Portugal an early advantage when his 13th-minute header cleared the bar. Portugal controlled much of the ball and pushed Norway back, but Haaland soon had a clear opening at the other end. Diogo Costa stopped the Manchester City forward with his legs.
Portugal then made their pressure count in the 17th minute. Felix collected possession just outside the penalty area and guided a low finish beyond the goalkeeper for 1-0.
Haaland denied before the interval
Norway responded strongly after falling behind at home. Costa spilled one effort into Haaland’s path, but Ruben Dias slid in to block his Manchester City team-mate’s attempted finish.
The Portugal goalkeeper also dealt with two dangerous Haaland headers, while Sander Berge headed narrowly wide. Portugal survived a sustained spell of Norwegian pressure to preserve their advantage at half-time.
- Felix put Portugal ahead after 17 minutes.
- Costa made key saves from Haaland’s aerial efforts.
- Dias produced a crucial block when Haaland appeared set to score.
- Portugal recorded a sixth straight first half without conceding.
Nyland error hands Ramos the winner
Haaland finally levelled six minutes into the second half. The striker reacted first to a loose ball in the box and poked in from close range, making it 1-1.
The goal was Haaland’s 65th for Norway in only 57 appearances. It also meant he had scored in 16 of his past 17 competitive matches for the national side.
Norway’s relief lasted only three minutes. Goalkeeper Nyland attempted to play out from the back but passed directly to Ramos. The AC Milan forward lifted his finish over the stranded keeper and into an unguarded net for his 12th Portugal goal.
Ramos later beat Nyland to another through ball and again found the empty net, only for the assistant referee to rule the effort out for offside. Norway pressed with crosses and direct deliveries in the closing stages, but Costa and Portugal’s defence held out.
What happens next in Group A4
The victory puts Portugal top of Group A4 and extends their early unbeaten run under Jesus to two matches. They have now won seven of their last 10 games.
Norway remain on three points after two fixtures and were beaten by Portugal for the ninth time in 12 meetings. Their home unbeaten sequence is over, despite another major scoring contribution from Haaland.
