Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 at home in the fourth round of the Nations League group stage, winning all four of their matches to advance to the quarter-finals. A throw-in from Nuno Mendes led to Joao Cancelo scoring what proved to be the decisive goal.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken said after the match that Portugal can be considered one of Europe's top three sides alongside France and Spain. He added that Bernardo Silva, who plays in midfield at Real Madrid, had only featured for around five minutes across these matches, yet Portugal were still able to rotate and adjust their squad effectively.
Jesus on Ronaldo: 'He must end his career the way he wants'
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said at his post-match press conference that he fully agrees with what Bruno Fernandes said about Cristiano Ronaldo deserving a farewell in a celebratory atmosphere. Jesus said he had told Ronaldo directly that he could not end his international career by losing and crying at a World Cup, and that Ronaldo must finish while still playing for the national team.
Jesus said he hopes Ronaldo can return to the squad whenever he chooses, and that the only obstacle would be if Ronaldo himself did not want to come back. He said the situation had been blown out of proportion by outside parties, describing the original incident as a routine coaching decision to warm up a player and then not bring him on as a substitute.
On the question of squad selection, Jesus was direct. He said he decides who is called up and who plays, and that as head coach there are principles he will not negotiate on.
Mendes: the throw-in was meant for Felix
Nuno Mendes, speaking to Canal 11 and Sport TV after the match, said his teammates know he can throw the ball a long distance. He said the throw that led to Cancelo's goal was originally intended for Joao Felix, who was in the penalty area, but Cancelo arrived and scored a fine goal.
Mendes said the four matches had been physically demanding against strong opponents, but that he was ready to play 90 minutes whenever the manager needed him. He said the new era under Jesus is only just beginning and that the squad has not yet shown its highest level.
Solbakken: Norway gave themselves extra pressure
Norway manager Solbakken said the first half was balanced and that his side were satisfied to take the lead, but that they lost concentration defending a long throw-in. He said Portugal played better and with more energy in the second half.
Solbakken said some of Norway's best players were fatigued, which affected their performance on the ball. With only three points from four matches, he said Norway must win their remaining games.
