Portugal seal Nations League quarter-final place as Haaland limps off in Norway defeat

Portugal beat Norway 2-1 at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday to seal a place in the March Nations League quarter-finals and preserve their 100% record in Group A4. Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner 11 minutes from time. Norway's evening was compounded by the loss of Erling HaalandErling HaalandMan City · Norway · Forward, who is reported to have limped off during the match.

The win lifts Portugal six points clear of second-placed Denmark, who won 1-0 away at Wales. With a top-two finish guaranteed, the remaining group fixtures will settle the final standings rather than Portugal's participation in the knockout round.

2025/26

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Haaland limps off in Porto

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Norway's leading forward left the pitch before the end, and it has not been made clear whether he was withdrawn as a precaution or because of an injury. No diagnosis has been reported publicly. Neither the Norwegian national team nor Manchester CityManchester CityPremier League · England2nd POS23–9–6 W-D-L, his club, has said how serious the problem is or how long he might be unavailable.

Until that is confirmed, the consequences cannot be assessed. A minor problem would barely register for Norway or for City; a significant one would raise immediate questions about Norway's remaining fixtures and about City's plans for the weeks that follow.

Portugal cope without Ronaldo

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Portugal played the match without Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the squad the previous week. The circumstances of his departure have not been fully explained, and it is not yet clear whether he will be available for the quarter-finals.

Without him, the attacking responsibility fell elsewhere, and Ramos took it with the late goal that decided the game. Winning without the squad's most recognisable figure keeps Portugal's campaign on course and limits how much his absence dominates the agenda.

What happens next

Portugal's quarter-final place is secure; their opponents will be decided by the rest of the group stage, as will the final order in Group A4. The tie itself is scheduled for March. The task for now is to keep the group record intact and to decide who leads the attack if Ronaldo stays away.

Norway are left to assess Haaland and to work out what the defeat means for their position in the group. Beyond Denmark sitting second, the wider standings are not yet clear, and neither is what Norway need from their remaining matches.