Goncalo Ramos made the most of his opportunity to lead Portugal’s attack as his second-half goal secured a 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo on Sunday, giving the defending UEFA Nations League champions consecutive wins in their title defence.
Ramos was handed a rare start with Cristiano Ronaldo left on the bench, and the Paris Saint-Germain forward responded with his 12th international goal. Ronaldo, 41, was included among the substitutes but remained unused as manager Jorge Jesus continues to manage his workload during the extended international break.
“It was a demonstration of my work, of what I can offer the team – not just goals, but everything I do on the pitch,” Ramos told Sport TV.
Portugal had taken the lead in the 17th minute when Joao Felix collected the ball on the edge of the box and produced a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Norway had opportunities to respond, with Erling Haaland repeatedly coming close. The Manchester City striker saw an early volley saved by Diogo Costa before Ruben Dias produced an important block after Costa had spilled the ball into Haaland’s path.
Costa then denied Haaland again shortly before half-time, making a strong save from the striker’s downward header to preserve Portugal’s advantage.
Norway eventually found their equaliser six minutes after the interval. Patrick Berg headed the ball across goal and Haaland was in the right position to tap it home.
Their joy was short-lived, however. Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland gifted Portugal the lead again when his attempted pass went directly to Ramos. The forward showed composure under pressure, lifting the ball over Nyland and into the net.
Portugal nearly extended their advantage when Rafael Leao’s effort took a deflection and struck the crossbar. Ramos also appeared to have scored again late on after Nyland missed a long ball, but VAR ruled the effort out for a marginal offside.
Norway pushed forward desperately in the closing stages, with Nyland even joining the attack, but Portugal held firm to claim their second victory of the international window.
The result continues Portugal’s positive response to their disappointing World Cup last-16 defeat by Spain. They had opened their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales on Thursday.
Norway, meanwhile, were left frustrated after failing to build on their 3-2 opening win against Denmark, with their missed opportunities ultimately proving costly.
