Portugal Reach Nations League Quarter-Finals as Ronaldo-less Side Beats Norway

Posted : 05 October 2026

Portugal became the first nation to secure a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals after defeating Norway 2-1 on Sunday, maintaining their perfect record in Group A4 despite the continued absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The holders fell behind when Norway defender Kristoffer Ajer produced a superb strike from outside the penalty area in the 36th minute. Portugal responded almost immediately, with Joao Cancelo firing home a powerful effort to restore parity two minutes later.

Goncalo Ramos, who started in Ronaldo's position, then completed Portugal's comeback in the 79th minute. The forward reacted quickest to Joao Felix's delivery and finished from close range to give Jorge Jesus' side their fourth consecutive victory in the group.

Portugal had to survive the final stages with 10 men after Francisco Conceicao was dismissed following two yellow cards. Nevertheless, they held on to secure their place in the last eight and move six points clear of second-placed Denmark.

The victory came days after Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp after discovering that he would not start against Denmark. Jesus has since insisted that the door remains open for the 41-year-old forward to return, but the decision will ultimately be Ronaldo's.

Elsewhere in League A, Jurgen Klopp's Germany were held to a goalless draw by Greece in Thessaloniki. Germany dominated possession and created several opportunities, but Greece's disciplined defending prevented the visitors from finding a breakthrough.

The result means Klopp has managed just one victory in his first four matches as Germany coach. His side previously lost to Greece before beating Serbia, leaving their Nations League campaign still in need of improvement.

The Netherlands moved to the top of Group A2 after beating Serbia 2-1 in Eindhoven. Teun Koopmeiners opened the scoring before Serbia levelled through Mihajlo Cvetkovic, but Joshua Zirkzee restored the Dutch advantage in the second half with a close-range finish from Tijjani Reijnders' cross.

The match also marked Virgil van Dijk's 100th appearance for the Netherlands, while new coach Xavi remains unbeaten after four games in charge. The Dutch currently lead their group on goal difference over Greece.

Denmark also strengthened their position in Group A4 with a 1-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff. Rasmus Hojlund converted a 75th-minute penalty after Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward fouled Gustav Isaksen, securing three important points for the Danes.

Portugal Reach Nations League Quarter-Finals as Ronaldo-less Side Beats Norway

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