After months of joy and victory, the Norwegian men’s national football team lost to mighty Portugal Sunday night, largely because of a mistake made by its otherwise revered goalkeeper. It could have been worse, though.
Calls were predictably going out on Monday that goalkeeper Ørjan Håskjold Nyland should be replaced, and head coach Ståle Solbakken was visibly furious after Nyland tried sending the ball to team captain Martin Ødegaard. A Portuguese player was right there as well, though, and could kick the ball right into Nyland’s temporarily unguarded goal.
That ended what had been short-lived joy for Norwegian fans packed into Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadium. Portugal had scored first but then Norway’s already legendary Erling Braut Haaland scored, too, bringing the match to a tie.
Portugal’s next goal came quickly, though, and a third ball from Portugal got past Nyland, too, but was later rejected as offsides. The match thus ended at 1-2 in Portugal’s favour and Norway lost its equal standing with Portugal in the Nations League’s top A group. Portugal now has six points compared to Norway’s three, followed by Denmark and Wales. Nations league action continues on Thursday, when Norway will meet Wales in what will determine seeding for the next European Championships.
NewsinEnglish staff
