Portugal player ratings versus Norway: Renato Veiga comes of age in Seleção shirt | OneFootball

Portugal lineup in Oslo against Norway (Photo: FPF)

The Seleção somehow ran out 2-1 winners against a physically imposing Norwegian side in Oslo last night. Diogo Costa competently denied Haaland and co. on one end while Ramos punished Ørjan Nyland’s mistakes at the other.

João Félix again made his presence felt while Cristiano Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the 90 minutes for only the third time in his storied Portugal career, while centre-back Renato Veiga enjoyed surely his finest hour to date for the national team.

The Seleção travel to Copenhagen on October 1st, confident and secure on top of Group 4.

Starters

Diogo Costa – 8

What a difference a competent keeper makes! Great stop from Haaland after Odegaard’s delicate chip sent him clean through. Dove to his left to parry another Haaland chance in the 35’ then calmly blocked one last first half stoppage time effort from the City striker. Might feel he could have parried Ødegaard’s free kick out of harm’s way before Haaland’s equalizer. Superb block of Schjelderup’s effort after another Nusa run down the left.

Nuno Mendes – 6.5

Struggled against the overlapping run as Norway flooded numbers down his side. Absolutely fantastic burst past multiple defenders before finding Neto, who squared for Félix in the 17th minute. Great turn of pace but not as assured defensively and dispossessed more than any other Portuguese player (4).

Renato Veiga – 8.5, PortuGOAL.net’s Man of the Match

Immense performance. Allowed too much space for Haaland’s 36’ header, but increasingly looking as if he will remain Dias’ long-term partner. Great block of Berge’s goal-bound effort in the 41st minute. Ended Nusa’s run with a crunching tackle to begin the 2nd half. Booked for a clumsy challenge on Haaland to spare a counterattack. Did not always seem in control but nearly always came out on top in his 1v1s. Match-high 12 clearances for the Villareal defender.

Rúben Dias – 7.5

Another match, another superb point-blank goal line clearance from the City man. Assured and tidy in possession on 32/34 passing. Settled the backline while Veiga acted as marauder-in-chief.

João Cancelo – 5

Not at all comfortable with the pace of Nusa. Worked hard to finish with 2 key passes and a match-high 4 tackles. Little else to say unfortunately.

João Neves – 5.5

Tough sledding in midfield on his 22nd birthday. One key pass on 78% possession and only 29 touches. Replaced by Vitinha early in the second half.

João Palhinha – 5.5

First competitive start in 2 years and it showed. Typically rough challenge on Ryerson in the 33’ and another one he got away with on Odegaard shortly after. Eventually booked for hauling down Ryerson in the 51st minute with Norway scoring immediately after the resulting free kick. Not very involved with only 36 touches.

Chico Conceição – 6

Undersized against Ryerson but showed great trickery to draw an early first half booking for the Norwegian fullback. Great 12’ cross for João Neves to head over then dragged a 32’ shot just wide after driving in from the right. Picked up a knock at the end of the first half and was withdrawn early in the second.

Pedro Neto – 6.5

Waited far too long for Félix’s pass to reach him following an excellent break then tried to cut inside and was dispossessed. Crisp, measured delivery from the left to assist Félix’s 17’ opener and worked hard defensively to support Mendes and Veiga. Not as involved in the 2nd half.

João Félix – 7

Portugal’s most involved attacking player for the second match running. Buttery smooth first touch before carefully passing the ball beyond Nyland for Portugal’s opener. Warmed Nyland’s palms again in the 35’ before his influence faded.

Portugal goal-scorers João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos celebrate the latter netting what turned out to be the winner against Norway (Photo: FPF)

Gonçalo Ramos – 7.5

Initially did not offer as much going forward as Neto and Félix. Tried unsuccessfully to turn Ajer inside the area in the 29th minute. Only 13 first half touches, no shots. But his match turned when Nyland gifted him a brilliant opportunity, the Milan striker making no mistake with a brilliant chip to make it 2-1. Really should have scored a second minutes later after Leão’s effort came back off the bar. Had another goal ruled out by VAR for offside. Match-high 4 aerials won with great pressure all evening.

Rafael Leão – 6

Replaced Conceição and immediately rattled the crossbar with a deflected effort. Afterward he was more active in his own half supporting Mendes. Only 11 touches in 35 minutes action.

Vitinha – 5.5

Fared no better against the physical Norwegians than his PSG counterpart. Needs to regain his confidence on the ball.

Francisco Trinção – 6

Tallied one shot straight at Nyland in the 85th minute.