Haaland vs. Ronaldo in Oslo: prediction for Norway vs. Portugal
The UEFA Nations League second-round clash between Norway and Portugal will take place on September 27 at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo. Both teams opened the tournament with victories: Norway beat Denmark 3-2, while the reigning Nations League champions edged Wales 1-0.
Norway: Haaland makes the difference once again
Norway made a winning debut in League A, beating Denmark 3-2. The standout performer was Erling Haaland, who scored twice to take his international tally to 64 goals in 56 appearances.
Ståle Solbakken's team has made significant progress in recent years and reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. Norway also looks confident in the Nations League, with 15 wins in 25 tournament matches and six defeats. However, their record against Portugal is considerably worse — just one win in 11 head-to-head encounters.
Portugal: a new cycle under Jorge Jesus
Portugal began the new campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales, courtesy of a goal from João Félix. Now, Jorge Jesus's team will look to maintain its strong start in a considerably tougher away fixture.
Portugal remain the reigning Nations League champions and the only national team to have won the tournament twice. Despite an unremarkable performance against Wales, the squad remains extremely strong: Cristiano Ronaldo is still leading the line, with Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes and João Félix expected to provide him with support.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Norway have won just one of their previous 11 matches against Portugal.
- Erling Haaland has scored 64 goals in 56 appearances for Norway.
- Portugal have won three of their last four matches in all competitions.
Both attacks can decide the game: prediction for Norway vs. Portugal
Norway look far more serious than they have in previous years, while the presence of Haaland and Ødegaard allows them to create danger even against top opponents. Home advantage also strengthens the hosts' case.
Portugal, meanwhile, remain a more experienced and balanced side, capable of controlling the tempo and punishing mistakes. With these factors in mind, neither team looks clearly superior, making a draw a very plausible outcome.
