Cristiano Ronaldo is in Norway as Portugal visit Ullevaal for one of the biggest matches of the opening Nations League round. Portugal won the tournament in 2025 and arrive in Oslo with another squad full of attacking quality. Much of the attention will also be on Erling Haaland after his match-winning performance against Denmark.

Haaland delivered in another Ullevaal thriller

Norway opened their Nations League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Denmark. Haaland scored twice as Ståle Solbakken’s side secured three important points in their first match in League A.

The Norwegian captain has now scored 64 goals in 56 international appearances. With Martin Ødegaard creating chances behind him and Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa providing speed from wide areas, Norway have several ways of causing problems for Portugal.

The concern remains at the other end of the pitch. Norway conceded twice against Denmark and allowed the visitors back into a match that appeared to be under control. David Møller Wolfe is also suspended, which could force Fredrik Aursnes to cover at left-back.

That defensive vulnerability is important against a Portugal side filled with attacking quality. Norway should still approach the match positively at Ullevaal, especially after scoring three times in their opening game.

Ronaldo arrives in Oslo with Portugal

Ronaldo remains part of the Portugal squad under new manager Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese captain is closing in on 1,000 career goals and could now share the Ullevaal pitch with Haaland in a meeting between two of the greatest goalscorers of different generations.

Ronaldo is far from Portugal’s only threat. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto and João Félix are all included in a squad with several options in the final third. Portugal can change their attack during the match without losing much individual quality.

Portugal began their campaign with a 1-0 victory against Wales. They took the three points and kept a clean sheet, although the performance was not completely convincing. Jorge Jesus is still working on the team’s playing style after taking charge following the World Cup.

Facing Norway at a full Ullevaal should provide a much more open test. The hosts are unlikely to defend as deeply as Wales, which should give Portugal more space but also leave them facing a stronger attacking threat.

Both attacks should have opportunities

Norway have enough attacking quality to score against almost any opponent at home. Haaland is the obvious danger, but Portugal cannot focus entirely on him when Ødegaard, Bobb and Nusa are also capable of creating chances.

Portugal should also find opportunities against a Norwegian defence that conceded twice to Denmark. Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha can control the midfield, while Ronaldo, Leão and Neto offer different threats around the penalty area.

The main risk with the bet is Portugal’s opening 1-0 victory, but this should be a different type of match. Norway will want to use the atmosphere at Ullevaal and build on their winning start rather than sit back and protect a draw.

Verdict

Norway’s attacking strength and Portugal’s quality make it difficult to expect either defence to keep a clean sheet. Haaland is in excellent form, while Portugal bring several players capable of punishing Norway’s defensive mistakes.

If both teams score, only one additional goal is needed to complete the bet. A 2-1 victory in either direction or a 2-2 draw looks realistic.

Tip

Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals