Portugal beat Norway and are first into Nations League last 8

Portugal beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto and became the first team to secure a place in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, which will be played in March 2027. The defending champions have won four straight in the competition and, according to Yahoo Sports, sit six points clear of Denmark, second in Group A4, with two games to play.

Norway took the lead in the 36th minute. Kristoffer Ajer controlled a cross from Martin Ødegaard with his chest and volleyed it in. Portugal equalized two minutes later: João Cancelo hit a first-time shot from outside the box.

The winner came in the 79th minute. João Félix set up the ball and Gonçalo Ramos pushed it in from close range. Shortly before, in the 67th, Erling Haaland had asked to come off and left limping, replaced by Jørgen Strand Larsen. The match reports consulted cite no medical update from his federation or his club, Manchester City, so there is no diagnosis.

Portugal finished with ten men. Francisco Conceição was shown two quick yellow cards for protesting after appealing for a penalty, in the 87th minute according to Yahoo Sports. Reports place the sending-off between the 86th and the 89th.

The match was played without Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old forward left the squad's camp before the game against Denmark, after learning he would not start, and Portugal won that game 4-2 without him. Coach Jorge Jesus wants to talk to him, according to Yahoo Sports.

Cancelo spoke about the captain after the match, according to France 24. He said Ronaldo is "our captain" and that what matters is "the four victories". Nuno Mendes added that if he returns, they will welcome him "with open arms".

For Norway it was a third straight defeat, and they sit last in the group. Two matchdays remain in the group stage.