Portugal became the first team to book their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals after beating Norway 2-1 on Sunday, while Germany were held by Greece in a result that left their progress unresolved.
Portugal completed a comeback victory after falling behind to an early goal from Kristoffer Ajer, with Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Ramos finding the net to secure all three points. The result confirmed Portugal’s place in the knockout stage and demonstrated their ability to respond after conceding against a Norway side that reached the World Cup quarter-finals. The victory also came without Cristiano Ronaldo, who was absent from the Portugal squad for the match after being left on the bench by coach Jorge Jesus.
Norway made the stronger start and took the lead through Ajer, who produced a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area. The opening goal gave Norway an important advantage and put Portugal on the back foot during the early stages of the contest. Ajer’s finish was one of the standout moments of the match, as the Norway defender found the target from distance to beat the Portuguese defence and goalkeeper. Norway were then tasked with protecting their lead against a Portugal side that needed a response to keep control of the qualification race and secure the result required to advance to the next stage.
Portugal gradually grew into the game and eventually found their equaliser through Cancelo. The defender produced a powerful finish to bring the score level and restore momentum for the Portuguese side. The goal changed the flow of the contest, with Portugal becoming more assertive as they looked for a second goal. Norway had taken advantage of their early opportunity, but Portugal’s response ensured the match remained evenly poised heading into the closing stages. With qualification at stake, the Portuguese continued to press for a winner rather than settling for the draw.
That decisive goal arrived in the 86th minute when Ramos found the net to complete Portugal’s comeback. The late strike gave Portugal a 2-1 lead and left Norway with very little time to respond. Ramos’ goal ultimately proved enough to secure victory and send Portugal through to the Nations League quarter-finals. The result made Portugal the first team to confirm their place in the knockout stage, giving the side an early advantage as the competition moved towards its decisive phase. The victory also underlined the importance of Portugal’s squad depth, with the team able to produce the winning moment despite Ronaldo not featuring in the match.
Ronaldo’s absence had been one of the major talking points surrounding Portugal ahead of the game. The veteran forward had walked out of the camp on Wednesday after Jesus relegated him to the bench. Despite the attention surrounding the situation, Portugal remained focused on the match and managed to overcome Norway. The team’s ability to secure qualification without Ronaldo added another significant element to the result, although the circumstances surrounding his absence remained part of the wider discussion around the Portuguese team. The victory nevertheless provided Portugal with the result they needed and ensured their place in the quarter-finals.
Germany, meanwhile, were unable to secure the same outcome after being held by Greece. Jurgen Klopp’s side were frustrated in their match as Greece prevented Germany from taking the result they were looking for. The draw meant Germany could not confirm their place in the knockout stage alongside Portugal and will have to wait for further results to determine their position in the competition. The result also kept the qualification battle open for the teams still competing for the remaining quarter-final places. Portugal’s victory therefore stood out as the key result of the day, with the Portuguese becoming the first side to progress while Germany’s situation remained undecided.
Portugal’s qualification represents an important milestone in their Nations League campaign as they move into the knockout phase. Their victory over Norway followed a match in which they had to recover from a deficit and withstand pressure before producing a late winner. Norway, despite taking the lead and creating a difficult contest, were unable to hold onto their advantage. Germany’s draw with Greece provided a contrasting outcome, leaving Klopp’s team without confirmation of progression at this stage. With further matches still to be played, the remaining quarter-final places will be decided as the Nations League group-stage campaign reaches its conclusion. Portugal, however, can now turn their attention towards the knockout stage after securing their place with the 2-1 win.