Nyland error gifts Portugal the win in Norway | OneFootball

Orjan Nyland made a costly mistake in the Norway goal and Gonçalo Ramos made no mistake. In Jorge Jesus’ second match in charge of Portugal, the coach claimed a second straight win and beat the Vikings 2-1 away from home.

Norway and Portugal both started with attacking intent and traded blows in the first half. The quality and variety on both sides created clear chances for both teams, but only one proved clinical.

After 15 minutes, João Félix received a pass from Pedro Neto on the edge of the area, controlled calmly and struck across goal to open the scoring in Oslo.

The deficit forced the Vikings to increase their search for their striker, who endured an uncharacteristic first half. First, Diogo Costa misjudged a low cross and left the ball loose in the six-yard box. Haaland rushed in eager to score, but Rúben Dias made a timely clearance.

The centre-forward was also found twice more from crosses and, on those occasions, saw the Portuguese goalkeeper produce excellent saves to preserve the narrow lead until half-time.

Refusing to let up, Norway kept feeding their finisher after the break and maintained their attacking pressure. Their persistence paid off after a lapse in the Portuguese defence.

Six minutes in, Ødegaard took a free-kick just outside the area and Diogo Costa spilled another rebound into the six-yard box. Berg got there ahead of Nuno Mendes and nudged it on for Haaland, who finally found the net.

Although the equaliser came early, Norway’s efforts were undone shortly afterwards. Under pressure inside the area, goalkeeper Nyland tried a low pass through the middle and played it straight to Gonçalo Ramos. The centre-forward, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo, did not waste the chance and lofted the ball over the keeper to put Portugal back in front.

The damage caused by Nyland could have been even worse for Norway. A few minutes later, the goalkeeper came out poorly, missed the ball on the edge of the area and Gonçalo Ramos finished into the net, but VAR stepped in and ruled the goal out for offside.

The two sides will meet again on 4 October, this time in Portugal. Before that, Portugal face Denmark and Norway travel to Wales.