Portugal host Norway with Ronaldo absent from squad

Portugal were scheduled to host Norway in a UEFA Nations League Group A4 match on October 4 at Estádio do Dragão in Porto, with the teams entering the fixture at sharply different points in the standings. Portugal had won all three of its opening matches and held nine points, while Norway had three points after one win and two consecutive defeats. The supplied reports were published before kickoff and do not confirm the result. The match was the sides’ second meeting in the group. Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in Oslo in their earlier encounter, then followed with a 4-2 win over Denmark. Portugal had opened its campaign by beating Wales 1-0. Norway began with a 3-2 victory over Denmark before losing 2-1 to Portugal and 2-1 to Wales. The reports differ on Norway’s position in the table: some place it third, while another describes it as second-bottom. They agree the team had three points. Cristiano Ronaldo was expected to be absent after leaving Portugal’s camp ahead of the Denmark match. Coach Jorge Jesus said there was no rift between them, while acknowledging that Ronaldo was disappointed about being left on the bench.