Gonçalo Ramos fired Portugal into the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals on Sunday with securing a 2-1 victory over Norway to maintain a perfect record in Group A4.
After Kristoffer Ajer put Norway ahead in the 36th minute, João Cancelo leveled for Portugal two minutes later. Ramos then converted the winner in the 79th minute. Despite a late red card for Francisco Conceição, Portugal held on for their fourth consecutive win.
The victory came amid news surrounding captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who abruptly left the training camp last week after being benched. Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus and Football Federation President Pedro Proença confirmed the door remains open for the 41-year-old’s return and stating any final decision rests with the veteran forward.
In Group A2, Greece held Germany to a 0-0 draw in Thessaloniki and leaving Jürgen Klopp with just one victory from his first four games as German manager. The Netherlands secured a 2-1 win over Serbia also joining Greece at the top of Group A2 with eight points each.
Elsewhere the Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in a tense Group B3 fixture held in Serbia where Irish players protested Israel’s actions in Gaza during the national anthem. In other matches, Denmark beat Wales 1-0, Kosovo drew 1-1 with Austria, Azerbaijan defeated Lithuania 1-0 and Malta won 1-0 against Andorra.
