Portugal Overcome Norway 2-1 to Reach Nations League Quarter-Finals

October 5, 2026

New Delhi: Goncalo Ramos scored a 79th-minute winner as Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal overcame a spirited Norway 2-1 to seal their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.

Kristoffer Ajer put Norway ahead in spectacular fashion with a superb half-volley, but Portugal responded just two minutes later when Joao Cancelo powered home the equaliser.

Portugal then completed the comeback late in the match as Goncalo Ramos finished from Joao Felix’s clever lay-off. The two-time Nations League champions held on to extend their winning start in Group A4, despite Francisco Conceicao being sent off for a second bookable offence in the closing stages.

Denmark Beat Wales to Extend Unbeaten Run

Elsewhere, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee played pivotal roles as Denmark and the Netherlands secured valuable victories.

Hojlund’s composed penalty gave Denmark their second win of the campaign and extended their unbeaten run against Wales to five matches.

Wales started brightly, controlling possession and creating opportunities through Brennan Johnson and Lewis Koumas. Denmark gradually grew into the contest, with Gustav Isaksen and Oliver Provstgaard coming close before half-time.

Danny Ward then produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny Hojlund and Isaksen. However, his misplaced pass led to a penalty, which Hojlund converted to score his third goal in his last four Nations League matches.

Zirkzee Helps Netherlands Beat Serbia

The Netherlands remained unbeaten under Xavi Hernandez after Joshua Zirkzee scored in their 2-1 victory over Serbia in Eindhoven.

The Netherlands dominated the opening half-hour and took the lead when Teun Koopmeiners’ free-kick found its way through a crowded penalty area.

Mihajlo Cvetkovic later equalised with a header, meaning the Netherlands had both scored and conceded in all their matches so far.

Zirkzee restored the Netherlands’ lead from close range with 19 minutes remaining, securing a win that left his side with two victories and two draws in the section.