Portugal made it out of their group at the World Cup with five points, then produced a comeback victory over Croatia before narrowly losing 0-1 to Spain. Now, under Jorge Jesus, they began their campaign with a narrow win over Wales. In the second round, they faced their current opponents and won 2-1, leaving Ronaldo on the bench. After moving on to Denmark, the coach had a definitive falling-out with Cristiano. His team, however, went on to win 4-2.
Norway became quarterfinalists at the first tournament they qualified for in the current century, the summer World Cup, with only England managing to stop them. Before that, Haaland and company had eliminated Brazil! In the Nations League, they opened against their neighbors Denmark and won thanks to an Erling Haaland brace, but setbacks followed. Thus, after their head-to-head meeting with Wales, they lost while down to ten men.
The reigning tournament winners score an average of 1.9 goals and concede 0.8. The Scandinavians average the same 1.0 goals scored, while conceding almost twice as many – 1.8.
Previous matches: Portugal – Norway
Before this encounter, Portugal had recorded seven wins and one defeat.
It is unlikely that either side will spring a surprise here – the hosts should win again (odds – 1.65).
Portugal – Norway: key statistics and trends
Portugal have won three matches in a row
60% of Portugal’s matches finish with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.7
Norway have lost two matches in a row
100% of Norway’s matches finish with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 3.7
Portugal – Norway: possible starting lineups
Portugal play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Diogo Costa – Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Veiga, Nuno Mendes – Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes – Pedro Neto, Leao, Goncalo Ramos. Ronaldo has left the national team
Norway play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Nyland – Ryerson, Ajer, Ostigard, Wolfe – Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes – Bobb, Haaland, Schjelderup. Ryerson is a doubt
