Haaland Keeps Scoring as Portugal Edge Wales Despite Ronaldo Frustration

Erling Haaland continued his remarkable scoring run for Norway, while Portugal began their Nations League campaign with a victory over Wales on a night when Cristiano Ronaldo saw a goal ruled out.

Haaland strikes twice against Denmark

Norway opened their Nations League campaign with a 3–2 victory over Denmark, with Haaland once again at the centre of the action.

Oscar Bobb gave Norway an early lead before Haaland doubled the advantage after 18 minutes. The Manchester City striker controlled the opportunity created by Ahmed Nusa and finished confidently with his left foot.

Denmark responded before half-time through a well-executed free-kick from Mikkel Damsgaard, before Rasmus Højlund levelled the match after the break.

Haaland then had the final say.

With around 15 minutes remaining, Martin Ødegaard delivered a precise ball from a corner routine, allowing Haaland to fire home his second goal of the night and restore Norway’s lead.

The brace took Haaland to 64 international goals in just 56 appearances for Norway, moving him above Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário and Zlatan Ibrahimović, who both finished their international careers with 62 goals. 

Ronaldo frustrated as Portugal beat Wales

Portugal also began their campaign with three points, defeating Wales 1–0 in Lisbon.

Cristiano Ronaldo started his 234th international appearance, but the veteran forward was unable to add to his record-breaking goals tally.

Portugal controlled much of the match and eventually took the lead in the 22nd minute. Nuno Mendes found João Félix near the edge of the penalty area, with the forward producing a composed finish to put the hosts ahead. 

Ronaldo thought he had doubled Portugal’s advantage after the break when he found the net with his left foot. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.

The Portugal captain was subsequently replaced by Gonçalo Ramos in the 67th minute, ending his night without a goal.

Portugal held on to their narrow victory and will now face Norway in their next Nations League fixture, setting up an intriguing meeting between Ronaldo and Haaland. 

Haaland vs Ronaldo: another chapter

The upcoming Portugal–Norway meeting will put two generations of elite goalscorers on the same stage.

Haaland enters the fixture after another two-goal international performance, while Ronaldo will be looking to respond after seeing his goal against Wales cancelled out by an offside decision.

With both nations starting the campaign with victories, their next encounter could have an important impact on the group.