Portugal came from behind to defeat Norway 2 to 1 at the Estádio do Dragão, securing qualification for the UEFA Nations League quarter finals with two group matches still to play and extending their perfect start under Jorge Jesus.
By Open Chronicle Sports with agencies
PORTO. Portugal have secured their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter finals after coming from behind to beat Norway 2 to 1 at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday.
The victory gave Portugal a perfect 12 points from their opening four matches in Group A4 and guaranteed the national team one of the two qualification places available for the knockout stage.
Norway took the lead through Kristoffer Ajer in the 36th minute, but Portugal responded almost immediately. João Cancelo equalised two minutes later before Gonçalo Ramos completed the comeback with the winning goal in the 79th minute.
Portugal finished the match with ten players after Francisco Conceição received two yellow cards in quick succession and was sent off in the 86th minute.
Norway Strike First in Porto
Portugal entered the match knowing another victory would put them firmly in control of Group A4, but Norway provided the first breakthrough.
Ajer put the visitors ahead after 36 minutes, briefly threatening Portugal’s perfect Nations League record.
The advantage lasted only two minutes.
Cancelo responded in the 38th minute to bring Portugal level before half time and restore momentum for the hosts.
The decisive moment arrived with 11 minutes remaining when Ramos scored Portugal’s second goal to complete the turnaround.
Conceição’s late dismissal left Portugal with ten men for the closing stages, but Norway were unable to find an equaliser.
Portugal Through With Two Matches Remaining
The result leaves Portugal at the top of Group A4 with 12 points from four matches.
Denmark sit second with six points after defeating Wales 1 to 0, while Wales and Norway both have three points.
Portugal have therefore already secured one of the group’s two quarter final places.
The remaining objective is to finish first.
Jorge Jesus and his players will host Denmark in Braga on November 14 before travelling to Wales for their final group match on November 17.
Four Games, Four Victories
Portugal’s victory over Norway completed a perfect opening sequence under new national team coach Jorge Jesus.
The campaign began with a 1 to 0 victory against Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.
Portugal then travelled to Oslo and defeated Norway 2 to 1 before producing an impressive 4 to 2 victory over Denmark in Copenhagen.
Returning home for the fourth round, Portugal again defeated Norway 2 to 1.
The four consecutive victories represent Portugal’s best ever start to a Nations League campaign.
Portugal Surpass Their Previous Best Start
Portugal’s previous strongest opening came during the 2024/25 campaign, which ultimately ended with the national team lifting the trophy.
On that occasion, Portugal began with three consecutive victories.
They defeated Croatia 2 to 1 and Scotland 2 to 1 at home before winning 3 to 1 away against Poland.
The winning sequence ended in the fourth round when Portugal drew 0 to 0 in Scotland.
This time, the national team has gone one better, winning each of its first four matches and securing qualification with two games remaining.
Defending Nations League Champions
Portugal enter the current campaign as defending champions after winning the 2024/25 edition under Roberto Martínez.
After finishing first in their group, Portugal overcame Denmark across two legs in the quarter finals, the first edition of the competition to feature that knockout stage.
Portugal then defeated Germany 2 to 1 in the semi finals.
Spain awaited in the final.
The match finished 2 to 2 before Portugal prevailed 5 to 3 in the penalty shootout to claim another Nations League title.
A Competition With a Special Place in Portuguese Football
Portugal also won the inaugural Nations League in 2018/19 under Fernando Santos.
The national team began that campaign by defeating Italy 1 to 0 before winning 3 to 2 away against Poland and drawing 0 to 0 in Italy.
With only three teams in the group, Portugal advanced directly to the semi finals.
There, they defeated Switzerland 3 to 1 before beating the Netherlands 1 to 0 in the final.
Later editions proved more difficult.
Portugal began the 2020/21 competition with victories over Croatia and Sweden before drawing against France. The French ultimately won the group and later lifted the trophy.
In 2022/23, Portugal opened with a 1 to 1 draw against Spain. Spain eventually topped the group and went on to win the competition.
First Place Now the Target
Qualification may already be secured, but Portugal still have unfinished business in Group A4.
With 12 points from a possible 12, the national team has established a six point advantage over second placed Denmark.
The November meeting with the Danes in Braga could therefore play an important role in deciding the final group standings.
Three days later, Portugal will complete the group stage away against Wales.
Four matches into the Jorge Jesus era, Portugal have four victories, a place in the Nations League quarter finals and the best start they have ever produced in the competition.
The next objective is clear: secure first place and continue the defense of their Nations League title.