Portugal Edge Norway 2-1 Despite Haaland’s Goal in Oslo
Norway were left to rue a defensive lapse and missed chances after Portugal claimed a 2-1 UEFA Nations League win in Oslo, despite Erling Haaland scoring for the second time during the international window.
Joao Felix put the visitors ahead before Haaland restored parity, but Goncalo Ramos struck the decisive goal only three minutes after Norway’s equaliser. The defeat keeps Stale Solbakken’s side on three points in Group A4, level with Denmark and three behind Portugal at the top.
Solbakken frustrated by missed opportunity
Solbakken believed Norway had produced enough to take something from the match against the competition’s holders. He pointed to his side’s possession advantage and the quality of the chances created, while accepting that the failure to convert their better periods had proved costly.
“We were the better side, but that is sometimes how it goes,” Solbakken said. “We had more of the ball and better opportunities, but we did not score again. We made a major mistake after the equaliser and then could not find another goal.”
The Norway coach said his team must become more ruthless in Cardiff, where they face Wales on Thursday evening. Solbakken’s players will then travel to Porto for the return match with Portugal on October 4.
Players back manager’s assessment
Andreas Schjelderup and Fredrik Aursnes also felt the result did not match Norway’s display. Schjelderup noted that Portugal converted their sole first-half opening, underlining the finishing quality available to the visitors.
“It did not feel fair; we should have won all three points,” Schjelderup said. “Individually they are world-class players. They had one chance in the first half and scored from it.”
Aursnes said Norway’s control should have been reflected by a wider margin in their favour, suggesting they had opportunities to add two or three more goals. “A win for us would have been fair, but Portugal showed their quality,” he said.
Portugal’s next Group A4 assignment is away to Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday, while Norway will seek a response in Wales before the October meeting in Porto.
