Portugal reach Nations League quarter-finals without Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal maintained their impressive form without captain Cristiano Ronaldo by recovering from behind to beat Norway 2-1 and secure a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

The victory was their second over Norway by the same score in the space of a few days, following Sunday’s meeting. It also preserved Portugal’s position at the top of Group D and strengthened the growing impression that Jorge Jesus’ side have the attacking options to compete successfully as a new generation begins to emerge.

Norway started brightly and came close to taking the lead in the 26th minute. Diogo Costa, however, produced an excellent save to deny Antonio Nusa.

The hosts went ahead nine minutes later when Kristoffer Ajer met Martin Odegaard’s free-kick from distance and struck a powerful shot into the net.

Portugal responded almost immediately. Joao Cancelo levelled in the 38th minute with a fine finish from inside the penalty area after Nuno Mendes had taken a throw-in, leaving the teams level at 1-1 at half-time.

The pace dropped after the interval, although Norway had another opportunity to regain the lead in the 61st minute. Erling Haaland’s effort went narrowly wide of the post, and the striker was forced to leave the pitch with an injury six minutes later.

With the match appearing to be heading for a draw, Portugal found the decisive goal in the 79th minute. Goncalo Ramos converted Joao Felix’s pass after Vitinha had started the attack, putting the visitors in front.

Portugal were reduced to 10 men when Francisco Conceicao was sent off in the 86th minute, but they held on to claim another important victory and underline their ability to challenge without relying on Ronaldo’s presence.

The result keeps Portugal at the summit of the group and places them among the teams advancing to the last eight of the competition.

In the other Group D fixture, Denmark beat Wales 1-0 to move into second place. Rasmus Hojlund scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 75th minute, leaving Denmark three points clear of both Norway and Wales.