Portugal left another composed mark on their Nations League campaign on Sunday, beating Norway 2-1 to make it four wins from four in Group A4. In a match dedicated to Jesus, Gonçalo Ramos delivered the decisive touch in the closing stages as the Portuguese continued without Cristiano Ronaldo, while Greece held Jürgen Klopp’s Germany goalless in Thessaloniki.
Key takeaways
- Portugal remain perfect in Group A4 after collecting 12 points from four matches.
- Gonçalo Ramos scored Portugal’s 79th-minute winner against Norway.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has not featured since Portugal’s opening 1-0 victory over Wales.
- Erling Haaland drew another blank, despite carrying 65 goals from 59 international appearances.
- Greece followed last week’s historic win over Germany with a 0-0 draw against Klopp’s side.
Portugal find another way past Norway
Norway struck first in the 36th minute. Kristoffer Ajer controlled Martin Ødegaard’s free-kick near the edge of the penalty area before sending a fine half-volley into the far corner.
Portugal’s response arrived two minutes later through João Cancelo, whose finish matched the quality of Ajer’s opener. The contest stayed level until the 79th minute, when Vitinha and João Félix combined in the build-up and Ramos turned in from close range.
The visitors had to negotiate a late setback after Francisco Conceição was sent off for a second booking, but held their advantage to extend an unbeaten start that has not been disrupted by Ronaldo’s absence.
Ronaldo played in the first Nations League fixture, starting the 1-0 win over Wales before Ramos replaced him. He then watched the 2-1 away victory over Norway from the bench and subsequently departed the squad. Portugal have since won 4-2 in Denmark and now beaten Norway again.
For Norway, Haaland went scoreless for a second consecutive match. The forward’s international record nevertheless stands at 65 goals in 59 appearances.
Greece frustrate Germany in Thessaloniki
Elsewhere in Thessaloniki, Greece could not repeat their victory over Germany from the previous week, but they again denied Klopp’s team a result by defending a 0-0 draw.
Germany controlled more of the ball, completed more passes and created the greater number of opportunities, yet could not find a breakthrough. Klopp reshaped his attacking options during the final half-hour, bringing on Nick Woltemade and Cologne forward Said El Mala for Jonathan Burkardt and Lennart Karl.
The best late opening belonged instead to Greece, with Georgios Masouras unable to convert for the hosts. The stalemate ensured another frustrating evening for Germany, and another resolute one in northern Greece.
