Portugal reach Nations League quarterfinals, first team to qualify without Ronaldo

Portugal became the first team to qualify for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday, securing their passage to the knockout stage despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Gonçalo Ramos scored the decisive goal in the 79th minute after João Cancelo equalized Kristoffer Ajer's opener for Norway in the 36th minute. Portugal finished Group A4 unbeaten with four consecutive wins, completing their final three victories without Ronaldo in the squad.

Ronaldo, 41, departed the national team camp on Wednesday following Portugal's 2-1 win in Norway after learning he would not start against Denmark. Manager Jorge Jesus benched the veteran striker after he featured in Portugal's opening Nations League match against Wales, where he was replaced by Ramos early in the contest. Jesus stated after the Norway victory that Ronaldo's return would be conditional on the player's own decision, saying "If he wants to, he'll return to the national team… we can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who's going to decide."

The match against Norway saw Portugal play the final minutes with ten men after Francisco Conceição received a second yellow card for dissent in the 86th minute following an unsuccessful penalty appeal. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Portugal held firm to secure victory. Ajer's opening goal came from a spectacular half-volley from the edge of the penalty area following a Martin Ødegaard free kick in the 36th minute, while Cancelo responded two minutes later with an equally impressive finish from distance.

Ramos, who has emerged as Portugal's principal forward in Ronaldo's absence, continues to demonstrate effectiveness at the international level. The AC Milan striker was positioned centrally after his early-match substitution for Ronaldo against Wales and has featured prominently in Portugal's recent fixtures. With 12 points from four matches, Portugal has already secured a top-two finish in Group A4, guaranteeing their spot in the quarterfinals scheduled for March 2027.

Denmark occupy second place in the group with six points from four matches, while Wales and Norway each have three points. In other Sunday Nations League matches, Germany drew 0-0 with Greece in Group A2, the Netherlands defeated Serbia 2-1, and Ireland drew 1-1 with Israel in a match featuring symbolic gestures by both teams regarding Middle East conflicts.