Norway initially threatened to spoil the evening when Kristoffer Ajer scored a spectacular goal from outside the penalty area. However, Portugal responded through a powerful finish from Joao Cancelo to level the score. The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute when Goncalo Ramos found the back of the net to seal the win. Following the match, Jorge Jesus addressed the situation regarding Ronaldo, stating that the door remains open for the 41-year-old to return, provided the player himself chooses to do so before the next international window.
Germany Held and Netherlands Rise
Elsewhere in the competition,
The Netherlands enjoyed a more successful outing, moving to the top of their group after a 2-1 victory over Serbia in Eindhoven. Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee proved to be the match-winner, coming off the bench to convert a cross from Tijjani Reijnders. The occasion was also a personal milestone for captain Virgil van Dijk, who earned his 100th international cap. Under new coach Xavi, the Dutch side remains undefeated after four matches.
Results Across Europe
In other fixtures, Ireland and Israel played out a 1-1 draw in a match held in Backa Topola, Serbia. Troy Parrott opened the scoring for Ireland from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, but Dor Peretz equalised for Israel shortly after the interval. The match was marked by the use of black armbands by the Israeli squad to commemorate the victims of the October 7, 2023, attack, while the pre-match proceedings saw the Irish players bow their heads during the Israeli anthem and a refusal of the traditional handshake between the two teams.
Meanwhile, Wales suffered another defeat, falling 1-0 to Denmark in Cardiff. Despite an impressive performance from goalkeeper Danny Ward, who made several key saves, the deadlock was broken in the 75th minute when Rasmus Hojlund converted a penalty following a foul by Ward on Gustav Isaksen.
