Portugal reach quarter-finals

Collected Photo

Portugal secured their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 comeback victory over Norway on Sunday, despite playing without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kristoffer Ajer put Norway ahead in the 36th minute, but Portugal quickly responded as João Cancelo levelled the score just two minutes later with a stunning strike.

Gonçalo Ramos then scored in the 79th minute to complete the comeback and seal Portugal’s fourth consecutive win in the competition.

The victory in Porto took Portugal’s tally to a perfect 12 points from four matches, securing their place in the last eight with two games still to play.

Portugal dominated possession with more than 55% of the ball and registered 20 shots, seven of which were on target. Norway managed nine shots, with three on target.

Ramos, who started his third consecutive match in Ronaldo’s absence, scored in all three games, further strengthening his claim for a regular starting spot.

In the other Group match, Denmark defeated Wales 1-0 to move into second place with six points. Norway and Wales have three points each.