Gonçalo Ramos scored the decisive goal as Portugal secured a 2-1 Nations League victory away to Norway in Oslo on Sunday. The win gives the defending champions a perfect start to their Group A4 campaign with back-to-back wins, following a 1-0 victory over Wales on Thursday.
João Félix opened the scoring for Portugal in the 17th minute, assisted by Pedro Neto. Norway, spearheaded by Erling Haaland, pushed for an equaliser but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Haaland eventually found the net six minutes into the second half, heading in from Patrick Berg's flick-on.
Portugal's response was swift. Just three minutes later, Ramos capitalised on a mistake from Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, who passed the ball straight to him, to slot home the winner. "It’s a great win on a difficult away trip. It’s been a great start," Ramos told reporters after the match. The PSG striker, who started in place of Cristiano Ronaldo, added: "From here on, it’s all about improving and ironing out the kinks. We want to win every game."
The visitors held on under late pressure, with Rúben Dias making a superb block and Costa securing the result. Their next fixture is away to Denmark on Tuesday.
This win on the road against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway represents a positive reaction to Portugal's tame last-16 exit to Spain at the recent tournament. New head coach Jorge Jesus has now won both of his first competitive matches in charge.
This story first appeared at Al Jazeera
Manager Jorge Jesus confirmed the management of Cristiano Ronaldo's minutes. The 41-year-old Ronaldo was a substitute for the first time since a Nations League game against Scotland in September 2024, not entering the pitch. The next challenge is against Denmark on Tuesday.
