Portugal maintain perfect Nations League start as Ronaldo stays on bench

Portugal began their Nations League campaign with two victories after defeating Norway 2-1, while Cristiano Ronaldo remained an unused substitute throughout the match. João Félix opened the scoring with his second goal in as many games, giving Portugal an early advantage. Norway responded shortly after half-time through Erling Haaland, who brought the hosts level.

The goal was Haaland’s 65th for Norway and his 22nd in the Nations League. The tally extended his record as the competition’s leading scorer, according to the report by BBC Sport cited by Punch. Portugal regained the lead after a mistake by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.

Nyland played the ball directly to Gonçalo Ramos, who chipped the goalkeeper to make it 2-1. Ramos came close to adding another goal but shot wide. Rafael Leão also threatened when a deflected attempt struck the bar.

Ramos later appeared to score again, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a video assistant referee review. Ronaldo, 41, watched from the bench as he continued his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. He is reported to be 21 goals short of that landmark.

Portugal were also without captain Bruno Fernandes, who missed the match because of injury. The result gave Portugal a perfect record of two wins from two matches in the current Nations League campaign. Norway, meanwhile, were left to reflect on defensive errors, particularly Nyland’s mistake that allowed Portugal to restore their lead.

The victory underlined Portugal’s strong start to the competition, while Norway’s defeat came despite Haaland’s latest international goal. Portugal’s next results will determine whether they can maintain that position as the Nations League campaign continues.