Erling Haaland was substituted in the 67th minute after signaling to the bench during Sunday's Nations League clash in Porto. The Manchester City striker walked off the pitch nursing an apparent injury, raising immediate concerns for his club ahead of their upcoming match against Liverpool. The 26-year-old was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen with the scoreline deadlocked at 1-1.
The loss marks a third consecutive Nations League defeat for Norway, leaving their team struggling for form in Group A4. For Portugal, the victory ensures their place in the tournament's quarter-finals scheduled for March. The win reinforces their status as competition holders, maintaining a perfect record while navigating the high-profile absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the national squad last week.
Norway took an early lead in the 36th minute through a Kristoffer Ajer half-volley from the edge of the box. Portugal responded just two minutes later when Joao Cancelo leveled the score with a powerful long-range strike. Goncalo Ramos eventually secured the result for the hosts in the 79th minute, stabbing home a Joao Felix lay-off. Portugal finished the match with 10 men after Francisco Conceicao received two quick yellow cards in the 87th minute for dissent.
Following the game, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus addressed the ongoing situation regarding Cristiano Ronaldo. Jesus stated that the forward's potential return to the national team remains his own choice, and that the parties could communicate before the next round of international call-ups.