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Portugal became the first team to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals after beating Norway 2-1 on Sunday, while Jurgen Klopp’s Germany were held to a goalless draw by Greece.
Portugal secured their fourth consecutive win in the group and guaranteed a top-two finish with two matches remaining. The result came without 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the squad after being dropped to the bench by coach Jorge Jesus.
Norway took the lead in Porto after 36 minutes when Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer produced a superb curling finish from outside the penalty area.
Portugal responded just two minutes later through Joao Cancelo, who fired a powerful shot into the net from around 20 yards.
Goncalo Ramos, starting in place of Ronaldo, scored the winner in the 86th minute. Joao Felix set up the AC Milan striker after reaching Vitinha’s lofted pass, allowing Ramos to finish from close range.
Ramos has now scored in three consecutive matches and helped Portugal secure back-to-back victories since Ronaldo left the squad.
Portugal finished the match with 10 men after Francisco Conceicao was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession following his unsuccessful appeal for a penalty.
Jesus said after the match that Ronaldo could return to the national team if he wants to.
Germany, meanwhile, were frustrated by Greece in Thessaloniki. Jonathan Burkardt had the ball in the net for Germany in the first half, but the goal was ruled out.
The draw leaves Klopp with one defeat, one win and one draw since taking charge of Germany.
The Netherlands moved top of their group after beating Serbia 2-1. Joshua Zirkzee scored the winner with a second-half tap-in from Tijjani Reijnders’ cross.
Elsewhere, Ireland drew 1-1 with Israel, while Denmark beat Wales 1-0 in Cardiff through Rasmus Hojlund’s 75th-minute penalty.
