Portugal answered a difficult week away from the pitch by scoring four goals against Denmark in Copenhagen. Norway had a very different evening in Cardiff, where a 2–1 defeat left them needing a result from one of the toughest away matches in the group.

Portugal produced their best performance without Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portugal camp before the match against Denmark following reported tension with manager Jorge Jesus. His absence created plenty of headlines, but Portugal responded with an impressive 4–2 victory.

João Cancelo opened the scoring before Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha and João Félix also found the net. Denmark equalised twice, but Portugal continued to attack and scored two more goals during the closing stages.

Ramos gave the team a more mobile option through the middle, while Bruno Fernandes was able to move into dangerous positions behind him. Portugal looked quicker in possession and created chances from several different areas of the pitch.

They have now won all three of their Nations League matches. A narrow 1–0 victory over Wales was followed by a 2–1 win in Norway before the six-goal match against Denmark.

Portugal have scored seven goals across those three matches and arrive in Porto with a chance to move closer to the quarter-finals.

Norway need a response after defeat in Wales

Norway started their campaign with a 3–2 victory over Denmark, but consecutive 2–1 defeats against Portugal and Wales have left them with only three points.

They took the lead in Cardiff before Wales turned the match around in the second half. Norway also finished the game with ten players and will be without the suspended Torbjørn Heggem in Porto.

Alexander Sørloth and Julian Ryerson are also unavailable, leaving Ståle Solbakken with fewer options. Erling Haaland remains the main threat, with Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa expected to support him in attack.

Norway failed to win either of their previous two matches, but they scored in both. They also caused Portugal problems during the first meeting at Ullevaal and remained in the match until the final whistle.

Their defensive record is the bigger concern. Norway have conceded six goals in three group matches and are yet to keep a clean sheet.

Portugal can be exposed at the back

Portugal are clear favourites, but their victory in Denmark also showed why Norway can score at the Estádio do Dragão.

Denmark found the net twice and created further chances against a Portuguese defence that looked uncomfortable whenever the hosts attacked quickly. Portugal have now conceded in their last two matches after keeping a clean sheet against Wales.

Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes give Portugal plenty of quality at the back, but Jorge Jesus wants his full-backs to push forward. That can leave space behind them when possession is lost.

Norway have the players to take advantage. Ødegaard can play early passes into Haaland, while Nusa’s pace gives them another way to attack Portugal on the break.

The visitors are unlikely to control possession, but they should still get opportunities if Portugal commit players forward.

The first meeting produced three goals

Portugal won 2–1 when the teams met in Oslo last week. Norway created enough chances to score and remained dangerous despite spending long periods without the ball.

The return fixture could follow a similar pattern. Portugal should control the match and create the greater number of chances, but Norway have enough quality in attack to contribute.

All three of Norway’s Nations League matches have finished with at least three goals and both teams scoring. Their results have been 3–2, 1–2 and 1–2.

Portugal’s latest match also followed the same pattern as they beat Denmark 4–2. Even without Ronaldo, they showed that they have several players capable of scoring.

Backing Portugal to win is understandable, but their short price offers limited value. Combining Both Teams to Score with Over 2.5 Goals looks more interesting.

Verdict

Portugal have been the best team in the group and their performance against Denmark showed that they can produce goals without Ronaldo. Ramos, Fernandes, Félix and Rafael Leão give the hosts several ways to trouble Norway’s defence.

Norway are missing important players and have lost their last two matches, but Haaland and Ødegaard make them difficult to rule out in front of goal.

Portugal should win, although another clean sheet looks far from certain. A 2–1 or 3–1 home victory looks realistic.

Tip

Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals