Portugal’s national team has qualified for the quarterfinals of the European Nations League.
The team beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday, despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo from the match.
Christopher Ayer opened the scoring for Norway with a brilliant goal, before Joao Cancelo brought Portugal back into the game with a powerful strike that leveled the score.
Goncalo Ramos then settled the result with the winning goal, securing qualification for the side led by coach Jorge Jesus.
With this victory, Portugal secured first or second place in Group 4 of League A.
As a result, they booked their spot in the quarterfinals, scheduled for March 2027, continuing their run in the European tournament.
The final minutes brought added tension, however, as Portugal finished the match with ten men after Francisco Conceicao was sent off.
The player received two yellow cards within seconds after protesting a penalty decision he felt should have been awarded.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo was absent after leaving the national team’s camp on Wednesday, ahead of the previous match against Denmark.
According to reports circulating at the time, his departure came after learning he would not start, amid talk of his anger over the coach’s decision.
Despite this, the veteran star remained present in spirit at the Dragao stadium stands, where many fans wore masks bearing his face.
Images of the captain thus accompanied the fans’ celebration of Portugal’s qualification, on a night when the team combined a comeback with sealing their place in the next round.
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