Portugal booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals after defeating Norway 2-1 in Porto on Sunday, despite playing without their captain and all-time leading scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Norway took a surprise lead in the 36th minute when Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer produced a superb effort from the edge of the box, bending the ball into the top corner.
Portugal responded almost immediately, with Joao Cancelo restoring parity two minutes later with a powerful strike from about 20 yards.
The hosts completed the comeback after the break when Goncalo Ramos, who started in place of Ronaldo, finished from close range following a pass from Joao Felix.
Portugal were forced to defend their lead with 10 men in the closing stages after Francisco Conceicao was sent off for receiving two yellow cards within a few seconds for dissent following an unsuccessful penalty appeal.
Norway, meanwhile, struggled to find an equaliser, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland failing to convert his opportunities before being substituted shortly after the hour mark.
The victory was Portugal’s fourth in four Group A4 matches and guaranteed Jorge Jesus’ side a top-two finish, securing their place in the last eight of the competition in March 2027.
Ronaldo was absent after leaving the Portugal squad on Wednesday ahead of the previous match against Denmark, following his disappointment at learning that he would not start the game.
