Norway sits at the bottom of its Nations League group with three consecutive defeats after a 1-2 loss to Portugal in Porto, matching the national team’s worst losing streak in a decade. This run follows a previous period under Per-Mathias Høgmo where the team suffered three straight losses against Belarus, Germany, and Azerbaijan.
Portugal clinch victory as Norway slips to bottom
The match in Porto saw Norway take a brief lead when central defender Kristoffer Ajer fired a long-range shot over goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 36th minute. The strike, coming from outside the 16-meter area, was described by some as a top ten international goal of all time, leaving Norwegian substitutes and staff on the sideline in disbelief. However, Joao Cancelo equalized shortly after with a similar strike before Goncalo Ramos netted the winning goal with roughly ten minutes remaining by capitalizing on a combination play from Vitinha and Joao Felix. TV 2’s Simen Stamsø-Møller noted that the goal displayed the art inherent in Portuguese players, deciding a balanced game of small margins. The defeat leaves Norway with three points from twelve possible in the tournament.
Manager Ståle Solbakken pointed out that several key players suffered from physical exhaustion after enduring four matches with heavy playing time. Players like Sander Berge and Martin Ødegaard appeared tired during the second half, prompting Solbakken to substitute Erling Braut Haaland after a little over an hour of play. Solbakken noted that while Berge and Ødegaard were perhaps the most exhausted, their class meant he saw no reason to replace them. Following the match, several players, including Haaland, left the stadium immediately to take a few days of leave granted by their clubs.
Solbakken defends tactics despite defensive vulnerabilities
Players admitted to giving away cheap goals, with Sander Berge noting that the team cannot afford to make such mistakes at this international level. Solbakken expressed frustration that the team was “snoring” during a long throw-in that led to a goal, admitting that players outside the penalty area were asleep. He argued that Norway has lost the ability to maintain margins in close games, a trait that previously led them to the World Cup quarter-finals. Despite the defensive lapses, Solbakken emphasized that the squad’s primary strength remains its offensive power, and he insisted the team must not change its course by a single millimeter.
The debate surrounding the goalkeeper position also persisted following the match in Porto. Egil Selvik started in goal against Portugal in place of Ørjan Håskjold Nyland, who faced criticism in German media and from domestic pundits following previous errors against Wales, England, and Denmark. Nyland’s recent performances have sparked discussion regarding selection preferences. Tine Rotevatn Nyland, Ørjan’s wife, wrote on social media that the previous week had been “a hell” due to the Norwegian press. Meanwhile, Nyland praised goalkeeper coach Frode Grodås in a September 26 interview with Aftenposten for assisting his training in Volda over the summer.
Media scrutiny sparks debate over team morale
The recent run of results has triggered a sharp division in Norwegian sports media regarding the public treatment of the national team. Some criticized sports commentators for turning overly critical so soon after Norway reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup over the summer. NRK described a weak period against Denmark as “a gust from the past.” Conversely, others argued that examining player performances and defensive mistakes is a standard part of elite sports reporting. Solbakken suggested that some in the press are eager to “take them down” following the losses.
The frustration culminated in late-match drama in Porto when Portugal substitute Francisco Conceição received two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent, leaving the hosts with ten men. While Portugal’s manager Jorge Jesus has declined to comment on the drama, the tension was evident as he was booed when his name was announced over the stadium speakers.
Frequently asked questions about Norway’s Nations League campaign
When are Norway’s next Nations League fixtures?
Norway will play its final two group matches against Denmark and Wales during the international break in November.
Who scored Norway’s goal against Portugal in Porto?
Central defender Kristoffer Ajer scored Norway’s only goal in the 36th minute with a long-range shot from outside the penalty area.
What was the result of the previous meeting between Norway and Denmark?
Norway defeated Denmark 3-2 earlier in the current Nations League group stage.
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