Ramos fires holders Portugal to Nations League win in Norway
OSLO: Goncalo Ramos started in place of Cristiano Ronaldo and scored the winner as Portugal made it back-to-back victories to start their UEFA Nations League title defence by beating Norway 2-1 in Oslo on Sunday.
Goncalo Ramos netted the winning goal for Portugal, securing a 2-1 victory over Norway in the UEFA Nations League title defence opener in Oslo. Jorge Jesus' men bounced back from their disappointing World Cup quarter-final loss to Spain, also defeating Wales 1-0 the previous day. Ronaldo was among the substitutes for the match, his substitution indicating the need for careful management of his minutes during the expanded international break.
Norway had a few scoring chances, with Erling Haaland missing a volley after being set up by Martin Odegaard. Portugal capitalized early on, with Joao Felix scoring in the 17th minute from close range. Haaland narrowly missed an equalizer when Costa blocked his header, and he also failed to convert from a subsequent attempt. The home team regained the lead in the second half, with Ramos collecting the ball from Orjan Nyland at the keeper's feet and chipping it past the Norwegian net.
Despite a late push from Norway, including Nyland's involvement, Portugal held on to clinch the win.
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