Portugal Player Ratings After 2-1 Win Over Norway in Nations League

In a challenging UEFA Nations League match, Portugal secured a 2-1 win against Norway in Oslo, keeping their perfect record intact in the group stage. Despite Erling Haaland scoring for the hosts, clinical finishing from Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos ensured the Selecao walked away with all three points at Ullevaal Stadium.

The match saw Portugal absorbing intense pressure, conceding 59% possession and facing 20 shots from a high-press Norwegian side. Yet their ability to capitalize on limited opportunities was key. Felix opened the scoring early, while Ramos responded swiftly after Norway’s equalizer.

Portugal’s defense was remarkable, managing 32 clearances and 22 interceptions, despite Norway outshooting them and leading the expected goals 2.88 to 0.87. This victory places Portugal atop Group 4 with six points from two games, highlighting their strength in this Nations League campaign.

Goalkeeper and Defense Performances

• Diogo Costa - 8/10: The Porto goalkeeper was busy but reliable, making five important saves. He could not stop Haaland’s close finish but was flawless afterward in positioning and handling.
• Nuno Mendes - 7/10: Active on the left, Mendes balanced defense and attack, using his pace effectively to cover ground and prevent Norway from exploiting spaces.
• Renato Veiga - 6/10: Given the tough task of marking Haaland, Veiga showed physicality but occasionally got caught by Norway’s forwards.
• Ruben Dias - 7/10: The captain led the defense valiantly, contributing heavily to clearances and receiving a yellow card late to stop a dangerous counter.
• Joao Cancelo - 6/10: More reserved than usual, Cancelo focused on discipline amid Norway’s wide rotations, limiting his attacking contributions.

Midfield Contributions

• Joao Palhinha - 7/10: Key in breaking up play and intercepting passes, Palhinha earned a booking and was replaced late due to fatigue.
• Joao Neves - 6/10: Neves found it hard to control tempo with only 41% possession and was substituted early in the second half for tactical reasons.
• Pedro Neto - 8/10: A bright spark who assisted the opening goal with clever vision and kept Norway’s defense under pressure until his late substitution.

Attackers’ Impact

• Francisco Conceicao - 6/10: Worked hard pressing but struggled to influence the game significantly and was subbed off early in the second half.
• Joao Felix - 8/10: Composed and effective, he scored the opener and served as the vital link between midfield and attack despite limited possession.
• Goncalo Ramos - 7/10: Quiet in the first half but decisive after halftime, netting the go-ahead goal just minutes following Norway’s equalizer.

Substitutes and Manager

• Vitinha - 6/10: Brought on to improve ball retention, he helped steady the game following tactical changes.
• Rafael Leao - 6/10: Added energy to exploit a tiring defense, although he did not score, he influenced the Norwegian full-backs’ positioning.
• Ruben Neves - 6/10: Replaced Palhinha late to help preserve the lead.
• Bernardo Silva - 6/10: Came on late to manage the game clock, picking up a stoppage-time booking.
• Trincao - N/A: Substituted in late but had limited involvement.
• Jorge Jesus - 7/10: His tactical plan paid off. Although Norway created many chances, his well-timed substitutions after Haaland’s goal helped regain control and secure the win.

Upcoming Fixtures in UEFA Nations League Group 4

• Denmark vs Portugal: 1 October 2026, 21:45
• Wales vs Norway: 1 October 2026, 21:45