Portugal beat Norway to maintain perfect Jorge Jesus start in Nations League
Portugal extended their perfect start under Jorge Jesus with a 2-1 Nations League win over Norway in Oslo, moving three points clear at the top of Group A4.
Joao Felix put Portugal ahead at Ullevaal Stadium before Erling Haaland levelled for the hosts in the second half. The response was immediate: Goncalo Ramos restored the visitors’ lead just three minutes later to secure a second straight victory for Jesus.
The result keeps Portugal unbeaten in the group and strengthens their position as the early favourites to finish first.
Neto praises Portugal’s resilience
Neto highlighted Portugal’s defensive discipline after a demanding night against a Norway side that pressed aggressively and made the visitors work for every phase of possession.
“It was a very difficult game against a side with plenty of quality, excellent players and huge intensity,” Neto said. “They pressed very high and very hard, but we dealt with it well.
“There were moments when they had more control, especially near the end of the first half, but we showed resilience.”
The 26-year-old said Portugal’s quick answer to Haaland’s equaliser showed the squad’s mentality in a high-pressure away match.
“That is one of the best possible responses after conceding,” he said. “Goncalo Ramos scored almost immediately. Once again, the team stayed focused, remained in the match and defended well.”
Neto admitted Portugal could have managed possession more effectively at times, but stressed the difficulty of controlling a match in Oslo against such an intense opponent.
“We were very solid without the ball,” he added. “Maybe there were periods when we could have controlled it better in possession, but it is not easy to come here and dominate a game against a team playing at that intensity. Defensively and offensively, it was a good performance.”
What happens next
Portugal finish the current international window against Denmark, with the chance to protect their unbeaten Group A4 record and widen their grip on first place.
Norway, beaten narrowly at home, travel to Wales later this week seeking an immediate response.
