Goncalo Ramos continues Ronaldo legacy as Portugal reach Nations League quarter-finals

The Milan striker scored for a third successive UEFA Nations League match as Portugal recovered from a goal down to beat Norway 2-1 and secure a place in the quarter-finals with two group-stage games still to play.

Goncalo Ramos took his international tally to 14 goals with the winner in Porto on Sunday, maintaining an impressive scoring rate of one goal every 92 minutes for his country.

Portugal, managed by Jorge Jesus, fell behind when Kristoffer Ajer put Norway ahead in the 36th minute. Joao Cancelo equalised just two minutes later before Ramos completed the turnaround with an effort in the 79th minute.

The result was Portugal’s first home match since Cristiano Ronaldo left the national-team camp. The game at Estadio do Dragao produced an open and entertaining contest, particularly in the first half, as Norway sought the performance required to keep their Nations League campaign alive.

Portugal also showed the attacking approach they have adopted under Jesus. The home side played with a direct intent and appeared comfortable turning the match into a fast-paced, expansive contest.

Ramos had already scored against Denmark in Portugal’s 4-2 victory, before finding the net in the first meeting with Norway, which also ended 2-1. His latest goal means he has now scored in three consecutive matches for his country.

Spanish newspaper Marca praised his performance with the headline: “A Goncalo Ronaldo has been born… Goncalo Ramos wears Cristiano’s shirt and takes Portugal through.”

Ramos’ emergence came after Ronaldo’s departure from the squad in angry circumstances. The former Al Nassr manager had left the camp following a disagreement with Jesus after being left on the substitutes’ bench for the entire first match against Norway.

Ronaldo was also unhappy with comments made by Jesus at the news conference before the match against Denmark. The Portugal manager said that no player would change his ideas and that nobody else in football would do so either.

Those remarks irritated Ronaldo, who subsequently left the international set-up, while Portugal continued their progress under Jesus and moved into the Nations League quarter-finals.