OSLO — Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner as Portugal beat Norway 2–1 on Sunday, making it two victories from two Nations League matches while Cristiano Ronaldo watched from the bench.
Ramos, selected to lead the attack in Ronaldo’s place, punished a misplaced pass from goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to restore Portugal’s advantage shortly after Erling Haaland had equalized. The visitors held on to take maximum points from their opening fixtures in Group A4.
João Félix had put Portugal ahead in the 17th minute, finishing into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area. Norway created chances around that opening goal, but goalkeeper Diogo Costa and defender Rúben Dias helped prevent Haaland from replying before halftime.
Costa saved from the Manchester City striker, while Dias intervened when a loose ball gave his club teammate another close-range opportunity. Norway’s pressure eventually brought a reward early in the second half when Haaland made it 1–1.
The lead did not stay level for long. Nyland’s attempted pass found Ramos, who lifted the ball over the goalkeeper from outside the area to put Portugal back in front.
Portugal also threatened to add a third. Rafael Leão struck the crossbar with a deflected effort, and another Ramos finish was disallowed following an offside review. Norway committed players forward in search of a late equalizer but could not break through again.
Ronaldo was an unused substitute as coach Jorge Jesus managed his involvement during the expanded international window. The 41-year-old had not begun a Portugal match on the bench since a Nations League fixture against Scotland in September 2024, according to AFP’s match report.
Portugal opened this campaign by beating Wales 1–0 on Thursday. Sunday’s result therefore gives the defending Nations League champions six points, with a different starting centre-forward delivering the decisive goal in Oslo.
Norway, who had beaten Denmark 3–2 in their opener, remain on three points. Their chances against Portugal offered encouragement, but the immediate concession after Haaland’s equalizer left them chasing the match again.
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