Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 on Sunday to become the first team to reach the Nations League quarter-finals, securing a comeback victory without captain and superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kristoffer Ajer gave Norway the lead in Porto with a stunning finish after 36 minutes, but Joao Cancelo responded two minutes later with an equally impressive strike to level the score.
AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos then completed Portugal’s comeback, scoring from close range after being set up by Joao Felix to give Jorge Jesus’ side the decisive goal.
The victory means Portugal are guaranteed to finish in the top two places in Group A4, with two matches still to play, making them the first team to book a place in the last eight scheduled for March 2027.
Ramos, who started in place of Ronaldo, scored for the third consecutive game and helped Portugal secure back-to-back victories since the 41-year-old forward left the squad.
Ronaldo had walked out on the Portugal squad on Wednesday ahead of the previous match against Denmark after learning that he would not start.
Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions and two-time record winners, maintained their perfect record in the group with four victories from four matches.
Norway had taken the lead against the run of play when Brentford defender Ajer met a bouncing ball on the edge of the box and curled it into the top corner.
Cancelo restored parity shortly afterwards, firing a powerful effort into the net from around 20 yards.
Norway captain and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland had an opportunity to restore the visitors’ advantage after the hour mark, but his effort went across the face of goal. He was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen a few minutes later.
Portugal eventually moved ahead when Ramos converted from close range after Felix reached Vitinha’s lofted pass and laid the ball across for the striker.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages after Francisco Conceicao received two yellow cards within seconds for dissent following an unsuccessful appeal for a penalty.
Conceicao had been preparing to leave the pitch for Pedro Neto when his complaints resulted in his dismissal before the substitution could be completed.
Portugal held on to secure their fourth consecutive victory in the group and cap a successful first international window for 72-year-old coach Jesus despite the controversy surrounding Ronaldo.
Cancelo said Ronaldo remained an important figure for the national team.
“Cristiano is our captain, the best player Portugal has ever had,” he told RTP, adding that the important thing was Portugal’s four victories.
Portugal defender Nuno Mendes also said the squad remained ready to welcome Ronaldo back if he returned.
“Any player who comes to the national team is welcome, obviously. If Cris returns, we’ll be here to receive him with open arms,” Mendes said.
