Portugal Maintain Perfect Start as Cancelo and Ramos Sink Norway

João Cancelo’s instinctive equaliser set Portugal on the way to a 2-1 comeback against Norway, preserving their perfect start to Group A4 despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence. Gonçalo Ramos struck the decisive goal in the 79th minute after Kristoffer Ajer had briefly put Norway ahead.

Portugal recover after Norway strike first

Norway took the lead through Ajer, but their advantage lasted only two minutes. Cancelo met a throw-in from Nuno Mendes on the edge of the penalty area and produced a powerful long-range finish to bring Portugal level.

Ramos then completed the turnaround late in the match, scoring in the 79th minute to secure another three points for Portugal. The result made it four victories from four Group A4 fixtures for the Seleção das Quinas.

Cancelo explains decisive equaliser

The Barcelona full-back said he had anticipated Mendes’ delivery because of the defender’s ability to generate distance with his throw-ins. When the ball bounced in front of him, Cancelo chose to shoot immediately rather than search for a teammate.

“I was in a good position for Nuno’s throw because I know how strong his throw is,” Cancelo said. “When the ball hit the ground, it was instinctive. I saw the goal and, thankfully, it worked out.”

The goal was Cancelo’s 14th for Portugal, coming in his 77th international appearance. He stressed that the timing of the strike mattered more than the individual achievement, as it gave Portugal an immediate response to conceding.

Booking brings Denmark suspension

Cancelo’s influential evening also brought a disciplinary consequence. He was booked, triggering a one-match automatic suspension that will keep him out of Portugal’s meeting with Denmark in November.

• Portugal have won all four of their Group A4 matches.
• Cancelo scored his 14th international goal in 77 appearances.
• The full-back will miss the Denmark fixture because of suspension.
• Ramos’ 79th-minute finish secured the 2-1 win over Norway.

The 32-year-old acknowledged that playing while at risk of suspension affected his display. He was taken off shortly after the hour mark and said he understood the manager’s decision, with the yellow card having placed limitations on his approach.

Barcelona return in sight

With Portugal’s latest assignment completed, Cancelo will turn back to Barcelona matters. The defender is aiming to start when the Blaugrana resume their La Liga campaign against Getafe this weekend.