Portugal struggles in the Nations League, quarter-finals underway
Portugal secured its top spot in the Nations League quarter‑finals table after a 2‑1 win over Norway on Sunday, in the fourth matchday of Group A4. At the FC Porto stadium, Kristoffer Ajer and Joao Cancelo each opened the scoring with a long‑range strike.
Match report Portugal – Norway
The first goal came in the 36th minute, Kristoffer Ajer, the Norwegian defender, surprised the visitors with a strike from outside the box. Six minutes later, Joao Cancelo responded in the same way, giving the Seleçao the lead. Gonçalo Ramos sealed the win in the 79th minute after a pass from Joao Félix. Nations League football thus provided a match full of twists, and the League confirmed its intensity.
Despite Francisco Conceição's dismissal in the 86th minute, Portugal recorded its fourth consecutive win, totalling twelve points. The group's sporting performances show the strength of the Seleçao, even in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the camp furious after being left on the bench by manager Jorge Jesus.
Other matches in Group A4
In the same group, Denmark, coached by Brian Riemer, former Anderlecht manager, beat Wales 0‑1 in Cardiff thanks to a penalty from Rasmus Hojlund in the 75th minute. Denmark therefore moves into second place with six points, while Wales and Norway remain on three points.
In Group A2, Germany failed to overcome Greece, the match ending in a 0‑0 draw. A goal from Jonathan Burkardt in the 32nd minute was ruled out after VAR intervention for a hand by Tom Bischof.
In the same group, the Netherlands beat Serbia 2‑1 in Eindhoven. Teun Koopmeiners opened the scoring from a free kick in the 31st minute, Mihajlo Cvetkovic equalised with a header in the 35th minute, then Joshua Zirkzee scored the Dutch second goal in the 71st minute after a fine team move.
The Netherlands join Greece at the top of the group with eight points, Germany follows with five points, and Serbia finish with zero points. The group table sharpens as the quarter‑finals approach.