Portugal reach Nations League quarter-finals as Germany stall

Portugal have secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals after coming from behind to beat Norway, while Germany remain outside the leading positions after another frustrating result against Greece. The outcome confirms Portugal’s place at the top of Group 4 following their second victory over Norway in a week.

Norway moved ahead through Kristoffer Ajer in the 36th minute, but João Cancelo equalised two minutes later. Gonçalo Ramos completed Portugal’s turnaround in the 79th minute after João Félix’s cut-back. Portugal finished with 10 men when Francisco Conceição was sent off six minutes from time, yet held on for a 2-1 win. Denmark’s 1-0 victory over Wales put the Danes second, three points above both Norway and Wales.

Germany were unable to respond to last week’s 1-0 defeat by Greece, drawing 0-0 on home soil. Jonas Urbig denied Fotis Ioannidis early on, while Kostas Tzolakis made important saves from Derry Scherant and Tom Bischof. Jonathan Burkardt then had a goal disallowed for offside before Germany’s pressure again failed to produce a breakthrough.

The result leaves Greece level with the Netherlands at the summit on eight points, while Germany sit three points behind the leading pair. Greece also threatened on the counter after the interval, ensuring Germany’s territorial advantage did not translate into the win needed to close the gap.