Norway vs Portugal Preview - Seleção face a step up in class in the UEFA Nations League | OneFootball

Norway vs Portugal Preview

Portugal face a tough test in their second match under Jorge Jesus, a trip to take on Norway at Ullevaal Stadion.

The Seleção did it the hard way in a 1-0 victory over Wales at Estádio José Alvalade and will have to improve against a dangerous side that reached the World Cup quarter-finals.

Both nations sit top of League A/Group 1 in the UEFA Nations League, Erling Haaland scoring twice as the Norway beat Denmark 3-2 in Oslo. Rúben Dias and Renato Veiga face a tough challenge against the star striker.

Portugal squad

Gonçalo Inácio and Fábio Silva were left out of the 23-player squad against Wales.

Jesus has favoured players that have worked with him in the past but a heavy schedule means changes will eventually become necessary.

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel SoaresDefenders: Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Tomás Araújo, Nuno TavaresMidfielders: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, João Palhinha, João NevesForwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão, Fábio Silva

Portugal predicted lineup

Jesus could opt for continuity in Oslo with the players continuing to adjust to his methods and tactics.

Vitinha and Pedro Neto played the full 90 minutes against Wales and are most likely to be rested if required.

Portugal (4-4-1-1): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo; Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Pedro Neto, João Neves, Rúben Neves, Bruno Fernandes; João Félix; Cristiano Ronaldo

Norway squad

Goalkeepers: Orjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander TangvikDefenders: Kristoffer Ajer, Julian Ryerson, Leo Ostigard, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, David Moller Wolfe, Torbjorn Heggem, Sondre Langas, Odin Bjortuft, Fredrik SjovoldMidfielders: Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Kristian Thorstvedt, Fredrik Aursnes, Thelo AasgaardForwards: Erling Haaland, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup, Erik Botheim, Ole Didrik Blomberg

Brentford’s Kristoffer Ajer holds the defence together with Fulham’s Sander Berge anchoring the midfield. Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard s the captain and chief playmaker.

Erling Haaland scored twice against the Danes to make it 64 goals in 56 internationals.

Norway predicted lineup

David Moller Wolfe was sent off against Denmark which leaves Norway short at left-back. Fredrik Aursnes started in the 3-2 win and should continue in the role.

Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb were favoured out wide and could continue with Andreas Schjelderup coming off the bench.

Norway (4-3-3): Orjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, Fredrik Aursnes; Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg; Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa

Form guides

Norway suffered a 4-1 defeat to France at the World Cup but had done enough to reach the knockout rounds. Erling Haaland scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast and netted twice in a 2-1 win over Brazil.

Stale Solbakken’s side went close against England in the quarter-finals, the contest going to extra time where Jude Bellingham’s goal sent the Three Lions through.

Oscar Bobb and Haaland scored in the opening 18 minutes against Denmark. Their 2-0 lead was erased before Haaland stepped up once again, scoring to secure a 3-2 win in Oslo.

Portugal’s World Cup campaign began with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 5-0 win against Uzbekistan before a disappointing 0-0 draw against Colombia.

The Seleção trailed Croatia in Toronto but managed to turn it around, Ronaldo equalising and Gonçalo Ramos scoring in added time to secure a 2-1 victory.

Roberto Martinez’s last game in charge was a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. They took the champions to added time when Rúben Dias came off his line and allowed Mikel Merino to score the winner.

Portugal’s Nations League campaign began with a 1-0 win against Wales. João Félix’s goal proved to be the difference, Ronaldo missing a glorious chance in the second half before the visitors went close to earning a point.

Head-to-head record

Portugal have played six competitive matches against Norway, all coming in European Championship qualifiers.

The Seleção won four straight before Carlos Queiroz’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat in Oslo in September 2010. The return leg came in June 2011, Paulo Bento the manager as Hélder Postiga scored to secure a 1-0 win at Estádio da Luz.

The only meeting since came at Estádio do Dragão in 2016, Portugal winning the friendly 3-0 thanks to goals from Ricardo Quaresma, Raphaël Guerreiro and Éder.