Portugal Advances in Nations League, Showing Strength Without Ronaldo
Portugal has become the first team to reach the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. The reigning champions secured their spot after beating Norway 2-1 on Sunday. This win happened even without their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal for Portugal in the Group A4 match. Joao Cancelo also scored earlier. He equalized after Kristoffer Ajer gave Norway the lead. The match was played in Porto.
Norway surprised Portugal by scoring first in the 36th minute. Defender Kristoffer Ajer hit a bouncing ball from outside the box. It flew into the top corner of the goal. Just two minutes later, Joao Cancelo leveled the score for Portugal. The Barcelona defender fired a powerful shot from about 20 yards out.
Portugal took the lead in the second half. Joao Felix set up Goncalo Ramos. The AC Milan striker, who started in place of Ronaldo, scored from close range. This goal put Portugal ahead for good.
Cristiano Ronaldo was not with the squad for this match. He had left the team earlier in the week. This was after he learned he would not start the previous game against Denmark. Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time top goal scorer.
The match became more difficult for Portugal near the end. Francisco Conceicao received two yellow cards in quick succession. He was sent off for complaining about a penalty decision. Portugal played the final minutes with only 10 men. However, they held on to their lead.
Portugal has now won all four of their games in the group. They are guaranteed to finish in the top two spots. This strong performance has secured their place in the last eight, which will be played in March 2027. Portugal is a two-time winner and the current holder of the Nations League title.
