Two defenders lit up an otherwise restrained first half as Portugal and Norway traded spectacular long-range finishes in the Nations League.
Norway struck first through Kristoffer Ajer, the 28-year-old Brentford centre-back producing an ambitious half-volley after around half an hour. Positioned to the left of Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, near the edge of the penalty area, Ajer met the ball with the outside of his foot and sent a fierce effort into Costa’s right-hand side-netting.
The goal gave Norway a breakthrough in a match that had offered little attacking rhythm during its opening stages.
Cancelo answers in under three minutes
Portugal were level just two minutes and 37 seconds later, with João Cancelo matching Ajer’s quality from distance.
Nuno Mendes launched a long throw into the Norwegian area and Cancelo waited for the bounce before striking from the edge of the D with his right foot. His half-volley flew into the top-left corner, beyond Norway goalkeeper Egil Selvik of Brest.
The two remarkable efforts ensured Portugal went into the interval level, after a first-half spell defined by two defenders seizing their moment from range.
