Ronaldo-less Portugal beat Norway 2-1 at the Dragão to reach Nations League quarter-finals

Portugal booked their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with two matches to spare on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Norway 2-1 at the Estádio do Dragão without the absent Cristiano Ronaldo, Flashscore reported.

Norway struck first against the run of play when Kristoffer Ajer controlled a pass from Martin Ødegaard and sent an “outrageous strike into the top corner” in the 36th minute. Portugal’s response was instant: within two minutes Joao Cancelo met Nuno Mendes’ long throw on the edge of the box and “sent a sublime strike” past Egil Selvik to equalise.

Erling Haaland finally had his first sight of goal around the hour mark but dragged his shot wide, while at the other end Antonio Nusa’s curling effort was tipped over by Diogo Costa. The winner came in the 79th minute when Joao Félix cushioned a square ball for Goncalo Ramos to poke over the line, per Flashscore. Sportradar confirmed the result as Portugal 2-1 Norway at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto.

Ronaldo left the Portugal camp earlier in the week amid frustration over his lack of minutes under head coach Jorge Jesus, talkSPORT reported. Bruno Fernandes said he had spoken directly with the 41-year-old, telling him he “is and will always remain the GREATEST icon of our national team and our country”, and insisted the squad remained united, per the Times of India.