Portugal triumph without Ronaldo after Nyland blunder in Nations League duel
While Portugal in Oslo was able to decide the top match of the Nations League for itself without Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, Ireland in Debrecen defeated Israel in a politically charged duel. Both encounters showed how individual mistakes and symbolism can determine the result.
Portugal exploits Nyland's mistake in the second half
João Félix (M) opened the match in the 17th minute and put Portugal ahead with a short‑range shot, similar to the 1‑0 against Wales. Shortly after the break, when Erling Haaland scored the equaliser for Israel, Norway's goalkeeper Örjan Nyland missed a mis‑pass in his own penalty area. The ball rolled to Gonçalo Ramos (r), who scored the second goal for Portugal in the 58th minute.
A marginal offside signal from the video referee prevented a possible double‑strike, but the goal stood. Despite further offensive efforts from Norway, the result remained 2‑1, with Portugal winning the match without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was unable to extend his international record.
Portugal travel to Oslo to face Norway in the Nations League
Ireland shows solidarity in the political duel against Israel
In the Hungarian city of Debrecen, Ireland made a clear statement: the players took the field with black armbands to remember the victims of the Middle East conflict. During the Israeli national anthem moment, the Irish lowered their heads, and there was no hand‑shaking before or after the match.
Ireland dominated the match from the start. Troy Parrott scored in the 13th minute, Adam Idah added in the 16th minute, and Jack Moylan contributed the third goal in the 25th minute. Despite vocal counter‑reactions from some spectators, the result stayed 3‑0 for Ireland, which had previously considered a boycott but ultimately decided against it.