Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal as Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in Oslo on Sunday, securing back-to-back victories to start their UEFA Nations League title defense under new manager Jorge Jesus.
Goncalo Ramos Steps Up as Cristiano Ronaldo Rests on the Bench
Portugal traveled to Oslo for a challenging Group A4 fixture without starting Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo was named among the substitutes for the first time since a Nations League match against Scotland in September 2024, remaining on the bench throughout the night as the coaching staff managed his playing time across the expanded international break.
Stepping into the starting lineup in his place, Goncalo Ramos provided the decisive moment in a match that followed Portugal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Wales on Thursday. The reigning champions are finding their footing under new leadership following a disappointing round-of-16 exit to Spain at the World Cup.
Norway’s Missed Chances and a Goalkeeping Gift Decide the Match
World Cup quarter-finalists Norway controlled dangerous spells but paid dearly for missed opportunities after opening their campaign with a 3-2 win against Denmark. The match’s early momentum shifted when Manchester City striker Erling Haaland mishit an attempted volley from a Martin Odegaard cross, allowing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa to collect the save.
Portugal punished that miss immediately. Joao Felix curled a clean finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area in the 17th minute. Haaland nearly equalized soon after when Costa spilled a save into his path, but Manchester City club teammate Ruben Dias intervened with a goal-saving block.
Haaland finally broke through six minutes into the second half by tapping in a header across the goal from Patrick Berg. Norway’s parity lasted only moments. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland played a loose pass directly to Ramos, who chipped the ball into the net to restore Portugal’s advantage.
Managing the Closing Stages in Oslo
Portugal pressed to extend their lead as Rafael Leao drove a shot against the crossbar. Ramos thought he had added a third after capitalizing on another Nyland miscue when the goalkeeper swiped at empty air on a long ball over the top, but a VAR review disallowed the effort for a microscopic offside infraction.
Norway threw every outfield player forward during stoppage time, including Nyland, but failed to crack the Portuguese defense for a second equalizer. Speaking after the final whistle, Ramos emphasized the importance of the result.
It’s a great win on a difficult away trip. It’s been a great start [for new boss Jorge Jesus].
Goncalo Ramos, via Aljazeera
Ramos added that the squad’s immediate focus rests on continuous improvement as they navigate Group A4.
“From here on, it’s all about improving and ironing out the kinks. We want to win every game. We’re always focused on victory in every match.”
Goncalo Ramos, via Aljazeera