Norway took the lead but ultimately fell 2-1 to Portugal in a UEFA Nations League away fixture. Kristoffer Ajer opened the scoring in the 36th minute, but Portugal equalised almost immediately and secured the win late in the second half.
The match began brightly for Norway. Following a fine pass from Martin Odegaard, Kristoffer Ajer controlled the ball in the box and fired home. The joy was short-lived, as Nuno Mendes found João Cancelo to level the scores from close range just two minutes later. The game remained open, with Norway holding firm for a long period. However, Gonçalo Ramos decided the contest for Portugal in the 79th minute, assisted by João Félix.
Line-ups and changes
Ståle Solbakken selected E. Selvik in goal, a back four of Aursnes, Ajer, Østigård and Møller Wolfe, and a midfield trio of Berge and Berg behind Odegaard. The attack was led by Erling Haaland, with Nusa and Schjelderup on the wings. Norway brought on Jörgen Strand Larsen for a tired Haaland, Oscar Bobb for Antonio Nusa and Thelo Aasgaard for Patrick Berg.
Match stats and discipline
Portugal dominated possession with 59 percent to Norway's 41. They took 20 shots, seven on target, compared to Norway's nine shots and three on target. Norway won four corners, Portugal six. João Cancelo received a yellow card as early as the 12th minute. Francisco Conceição was first shown a yellow and then a red card for dissent in the 86th minute. Bruno Fernandes was also booked before full-time.
They have scored eight goals and conceded seven this season. Top scorer Erling Haaland has seven goals in five appearances. Norway will need a better defensive performance to reverse a negative trend that includes three consecutive losses.
Norway face Portugal again in the Nations League on October 6th. The match will be played at Estádio do Dragão in Porto, UEFA confirmed. Portugal's coach Jorge Jesus must manage without Cristiano Ronaldo, who has left the national team camp following disagreements with the coach, the Portuguese Football Federation stated. Norway have lost their last three matches, including the 2-1 defeat to Portugal on October 4th.
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has warned about the extreme workload on Erling Haaland. "He was simply thoroughly spent," Solbakken said of the striker's condition after the loss to Portugal on October 4. The players' union NISO also expressed concern over player fatigue.
National team manager Ståle Solbakken confirmed that Erling Haaland's substitution against Portugal was planned. "We were hoping for 60, and he managed 65," Solbakken told TV2. He explained the striker needed a breather after a congested schedule. Norway have lost their last three matches, including the 2-1 defeat to Portugal on October 4.
