Haaland injury concerns overshadowed Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway as Erling Haaland was forced off in the second half of an entertaining contest at Estádio do Dragão.
The Manchester City striker signalled to the Norway bench in the 67th minute before being replaced by Jørgen Strand Larsen. Norway had already been struggling to find a way through Portugal’s defence, and the situation became even more difficult when Gonçalo Ramos scored 11 minutes from time to give the hosts all three points.
The result extended Portugal’s impressive run in the competition, with the defending champions now six points clear of second-placed Denmark with two group matches remaining. Norway, meanwhile, sit at the bottom of the group after suffering their third consecutive Nations League defeat.
Norway Take the Lead Before Portugal Respond
Norway started brightly in Porto and took the lead after 36 minutes through Kristoffer Ajer.
Martin Ødegaard delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area, with Ajer controlling the ball on his chest before producing a superb half-volley from the edge of the box. His effort flew into the top corner, leaving Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa with little chance.
The advantage lasted only two minutes.
Portugal responded almost immediately when João Cancelo produced a spectacular finish of his own. Nuno Mendes’ long throw found the Manchester City full-back, who struck the ball on the bounce from a similar distance and sent it beyond the goalkeeper.
The two quick goals transformed the match into an open contest, with both sides showing enough attacking quality to create further opportunities.
Haaland was among those looking to restore Norway’s advantage, but the striker dragged an effort wide before Portugal gradually began to gain greater control of the game.
The 1-1 scoreline remained intact at half-time.
Haaland Injury Adds Concern for Norway
The major concern for Norway came in the second half when Haaland injury fears emerged.
The striker had already failed to score against Portugal after also drawing a blank in Norway’s previous international match. His night ended prematurely in the 67th minute when he appeared to experience discomfort and signalled that he needed to come off.
Haaland was replaced by Jørgen Strand Larsen, leaving Norway without their most prolific attacking threat for the final stages.
The timing is particularly significant for Manchester City, who are preparing to travel to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. City are already facing considerable attention following their recent guilty verdict relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, and the club has lodged an appeal against the decision.
The extent of the Haaland injury was not immediately clear, meaning City will await further assessment before determining whether the striker will be available for the important domestic fixture.
For Norway, his departure removed their biggest threat at a point when they were attempting to hold onto a valuable result away from home.
Gonçalo Ramos Completes Portugal’s Comeback
Portugal eventually completed their comeback in the 79th minute.
João Félix created the opportunity with a clever lay-off, allowing Gonçalo Ramos to react quickly inside the penalty area and stab the ball into the net from close range.
The goal gave Portugal a 2-1 advantage and completed a comeback that had looked increasingly likely as the match progressed.
Ramos’ finish was particularly important because Portugal had struggled to break Norway down consistently despite enjoying periods of pressure. His ability to react quickly inside the box provided the decisive moment the hosts needed.
Portugal’s night became slightly more complicated late on when Francisco Conceição was sent off in the 87th minute.
The winger received two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent, leaving Portugal with 10 men for the closing stages. Norway were unable to take advantage, however, as the hosts held on for another important victory.
Portugal Strengthen Their Position
The victory represents another significant step for Portugal in the Nations League.
With two matches remaining in the group stage, the defending champions have opened a six-point advantage over Denmark, who defeated Wales 1-0 in their own fixture.
Portugal have now won four consecutive matches in the competition, demonstrating their ability to collect results even when performances are not completely straightforward.
The victory was also their third consecutive match without Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the national team camp after being dropped from the starting line-up.
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has said he intends to discuss the situation with the 41-year-old forward, ensuring that questions surrounding Ronaldo’s future will remain part of the national team’s wider conversation.
For now, however, Portugal’s attention can remain on their progress in the Nations League.
Norway Face Difficult Questions After Another Defeat
Norway’s latest loss leaves them bottom of the group and facing an increasingly difficult situation.
They showed enough quality to trouble Portugal, particularly through Ajer’s excellent opening goal and Ødegaard’s creativity, but they were unable to protect their advantage after Cancelo’s equaliser.
The Haaland injury concern adds another layer of uncertainty to a disappointing evening.
The striker’s presence remains central to Norway’s attacking plans, and his early departure left the visitors without their most recognised goalscoring threat during the final stages.
Portugal, meanwhile, demonstrated why they remain the team to beat in the group.
They recovered from conceding first, found a late winner through Ramos and survived the dismissal of Conceição to secure another three points.
The immediate concern for Norway and Manchester City, however, will be the Haaland injury and whether the striker’s withdrawal proves to be a minor issue or something more serious.
