· 2 min readIn this Norway vs Portugal match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
Portugal came into their second Nations League game after a narrow win, while Norway were also coming off an important victory over Denmark, with Haaland scoring both goals. This was also Jorge Jesus’ first real test since taking over the national team. Norway were coming off a historic World Cup, where they had even knocked Brazil out, while Portugal had fallen well short of expectations and were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16.
And there was one absence that immediately stood out: Cristiano Ronaldo was on the bench. Vitinha was also not starting, while Bruno Fernandes was injured. Portugal were therefore going into the game with a very different lineup, and Norway started with more of the ball. Even so, Portugal’s pressing was intense and the tempo was high, although there were no real chances in the opening ten minutes.
The first one came for Portugal, with Francisco Conceição crossing for Neves, who headed over. Norway responded immediately, though. Ødegaard found Haaland with a fantastic ball over the top, the striker hit it first time and Diogo Costa made a great save.
Portugal would eventually score with their first real chance. In the 17th minute, Nuno Mendes made a brilliant run, Pedro Neto received on the left and put a low cross into João Félix. The forward controlled it, shot and found the back of the net. 0-1. Félix’s second goal in two Nations League games, and Portugal were ahead despite Norway controlling more of the game.
Haaland, though, kept showing up. After a cross into the box, Diogo Costa couldn’t hold onto the ball and it fell straight to the striker. The shot looked destined for the net, but Rúben Dias made an enormous block to prevent the equaliser.
And then there was Nusa. The Norwegian winger was having an incredible game. Every time he received the ball on the left and got his dribble right, he was extremely difficult to stop. He’s one of those players you just enjoy watching because it feels like something dangerous can happen every time he gets the ball.
Norway kept growing into the game and finished the first half much stronger. Nusa crossed for Haaland, who headed the ball into the ground, but Diogo Costa came up with another excellent save. At half-time, the numbers told the story: 59% possession for Norway, 15 shots to Portugal’s eight and 1.44 xG compared to Portugal’s 0.43. Haaland had five attempts despite only touching the ball 11 times.
The second half started with Nusa continuing to give João Cancelo a nightmare. In the 51st minute, Norway finally found their equaliser. A free-kick was played in, Diogo Costa saved it and Patrick Berg tapped the ball across, where Haaland was waiting to finish. 1-1.
But Portugal responded almost immediately, with a huge helping hand from Norway. Nyland, under no pressure whatsoever, tried to play out from the back and gave the ball straight to Gonçalo Ramos. The striker picked his head up and produced an excellent finish over the goalkeeper. 1-2. A completely unnecessary mistake from Nyland.
Ramos then had an unbelievable chance shortly afterwards. Leão shot, Aursnes deflected it onto the crossbar and the ball fell perfectly for the Portuguese striker, who somehow missed with the goal practically open in front of him. He scored again soon after, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal but correct offside.
Portugal were starting to defend their lead well. Norway still had more of the ball, reaching 63% possession in the second half, but they gradually lost their momentum. After those three shots in the 51st minute, they stopped creating any real danger. That also deserves credit for Portugal: they knew how to suffer and control a Norway side that had reached 2.50 xG.
And there was one question in the stadium that never went away: when would Ronaldo come on? He still hadn’t entered in the 75th minute. Then, in the 81st, Gonçalo Ramos was taken off and Trincão came on. Ronaldo was still on the bench. Shortly afterwards, Bernardo Silva replaced Pedro Neto and Portugal had used all their substitutions. Ronaldo wasn’t going to play at all.
That’s disappointing for anyone who travelled to Norway expecting to see him. It’s also hard to ignore that the support would probably have been lower if it had already been officially announced before the game that Ronaldo wasn’t going to play, rather than leaving him on the bench and keeping that possibility open.
Portugal had no reason to rush in the final minutes. Norway tried to push, but they still hadn’t created any real danger since the 51st minute. Renato Veiga was doing a good job defensively, while Portugal managed the ball and the clock.
Post-match
It wasn’t a dominant win, not even close, but it was a victory built on efficiency and the ability to suffer. Norway had more possession, far more shots and 2.50 xG. Portugal had 0.98 and scored twice.
