Portugal Overcome Norway To Make Nations League QF

Portugal overcome Norway to make Nations League QF (Portugal overcome Norway to make Nations League QF)

Nations League QF:  Goncalo Ramos scored a 79th-minute winner as Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal overcame spirited Norway 2-1 to seal their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.

Kristoffer Ajer put the visitors ahead in spectacular fashion via a sumptuous half-volley, but Portugal levelled just two minutes later when Joao Cancelo powered home in style.

The hosts then edged in front late on as Goncalo Ramos added the finish to Joso Felix's clever lay-off, and the two-time Nations League champions held on to extend their winning Group A4 start despite having Francisco Conceicao dismissed for a second bookable offence in the closing stages.

Elsewhere, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee played pivotal roles as Denmark and the Netherlands also picked up valuable victories.

Hojlund's composed penalty secured Denmark's second win of the campaign and extended their unbeaten run against Wales to five matches.

Wales started brightly, controlling possession and threatening through Brennan Johnson and Lewis Koumas, but Denmark grew into the game, with Gustav Isaksen and Oliver Provstgaard going close before half-time.

Danny Ward then produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny Hojlund and Isaksen, before his misplaced pass led to the spot kick, with Højlund making no mistake to score his third goal in his last four Nations League matches.

The Netherlands remain unbeaten under Xavi Hernandez after Joshua Zirkzee's goal gave them a 2-1 win over Serbia in Eindhoven.

Danny Ward then produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny Hojlund and Isaksen, before his misplaced pass led to the spot kick, with Højlund making no mistake to score his third goal in his last four Nations League matches.

Article Source: IANS