Portugal stay perfect without Ronaldo in Nations League

Portugal have secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals while Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent from the squad. The team coached by Jorge Jesus has maintained its perfect start despite the attention surrounding the forward’s situation.

A 2-1 victory over Norway took Portugal to 12 points from four matches. Norway moved ahead through Kristoffer Ajer in the 36th minute, but Joao Cancela equalised two minutes later with a volley. Gonçalo Ramos completed Portugal’s comeback in the 79th minute.

The result confirms Portugal as the group’s leading side and ends any uncertainty over their qualification before the November fixtures. Denmark strengthened its position in the race for the other quarter-final place after winning 1-0 away to Wales.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands joined Greece at the top of their section on eight points after beating Serbia 2-1. Toon Koopmeiners and Joshua Zirkzee scored for the Netherlands, while Mihajlo Cvetkovic replied for Serbia. Greece drew 0-0 with Germany, leaving the Germans on five points despite holding 70 per cent possession. Jurgen Klopp’s side therefore remains in contention.