Individual brilliance overwhelms Norway

Portugal 3-0 Norway

In the first of their three pre-tournament friendlies, Portugal struggled but ultimately defeated Norway at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto.

Sensational goals from Ricardo Quaresma and Raphael Guerreiro led the way with Éder completing the victory with only his 2nd ever international goal.

Deprived of the services of Ronaldo and Pepe, winners last night in the UCL final, Fernando Santos began the match with a unique starting eleven. Quaresma and João Mário supported Éder at the top of the formation while Carvalho and Jose Fonte formed the base of Portugal's 4-3-3. Anthony Lopes was given his 4th senior cap, and João Moutinho, sidelined with an injury for the last two friendlies, returned to the starting lineup. 

As is the case anytime Ronaldo is missing, much of the media scrutiny was focused on Portugal's ability to create and sustain a credible attacking threat. Furthermore, with Nani yet to join the squad, Ricardo Quaresma must have been eager to show his quality in front of a great home crowd in Porto.

Quaresma Golaço

Portugal began a steady passing tempo that compressed the Norwegian defence, very similar to how their Euro 2016 opponents will play. But it wasn't long before Portugal's superior individual quality broke through. Ricardo Quaresma received the ball on the left wing and cut inside his marker with a lovely feint. Bringing the ball onto his right foot, he bent a curling effort over the helpless Norwegian keeper and into the top right corner. It was a sensational finish, energizing the crowd and reminding critics that Quaresma has never been lacking in ability.

Portugal came forward again moments later and Éder should have made it two when he met Cédric's cross from the right. The Southampton full back, playing almost as a winger for much of the first half, put in a lovely cross, and Éder's run was well-timed, but the finish was still lacking from the Lille striker.

Norway slowly grew into the match and began to create some danger through Joshua King. The AFC Bournemouth striker burst forward onto a long ball in the 32nd minute, shrugging off a challenge from José Fonte and bringing a smart save from Anthony Lopes. Norway showed superior physical strength to take back control of midfield, putting in some rather hefty challenges along the way as Portugal's passing tempo began to slow down. The away team finished out the half with the lion's share of possession, but were unable to create clear opportunities as Portugal dealt with the increased pressure.

Santos made no changes to start the 2nd half and Portugal came out lethargically, allowing King to immediately win a corner for Norway. The visitors continued to maintain control, and Santos substituted Adrien for Moutinho in the 55th minute. 

Berisha was the next to go close for Norway. The forward angled his run past Carvalho and glanced a header onto the crossbar following a cross from Johansen on the left. Santos responded by sending on Danilo and Rafa Silva. 

Individual brilliance

And just when Norway were at their best, Portugal hit them again with another stunning goal, this time from young Raphael Guerreiro. Adrien won a free kick just outside the penalty area and the Lorient fullback curled a wonderful effort over the wall and in off the upright, his second goal for Portugal. Moments later, Éder added to his international tally with a tap-in following good work from Cédric and João Mário on the right. 

More substitutions for both sides disrupted the flow of the match, but Éder nearly added a fourth when he showed good control to cut inside his marker and test Jarstein, who saved the shot with his legs.

Adrien was next to test the Norwegian keeper with a free kick from 25 yards, and Portugal were able to see out a quite unexpected result. Though not always at their best, especially in the first half, Portugal proved doubters wrong by generating sufficient offensive threat and scoring three goals without Ronaldo. 

Though work is still needed on defence and in midfield, Portugal demonstrated their ability to not only grind out a win, but do so in style. Quaresma and Guerreiro's finishes were top class, and Éder's strike will only ever boost his confidence. Cédric also played very well on the right, getting up and down the pitch well in support of the attack while not neglecting his defensive responsibilities. João Mário was not awe-inspiring, but provided the assist for Éder's goal and will fancy his chances of a berth in the starting eleven. 

Santos also had time to try out different personnel combinations with Danilo playing alongside Fonte in the centre of defence while Vieirinha was fielded as a winger. Ultimately, the Seleção overcame a physically dominant opponent with superior individual quality, a challenge they will need to master in order to survive in Group F.

Portugal face a very different kind of test in their next friendly against England at Wembley on 2 June. Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe will be rested for that match, while Nani and Bruno Alves might play at least some part after joining up with the squad from Fenerbahce.

 

Starting line-ups

Portugal: Lopes, Cédric, Fonte, Carvalho, Guerreiro, William, Gomes, Moutinho, Mário, Quaresma, Éder

Norway: Jarstein, Strandberg, Hovland, Trondsden, Linnes, Jensen, Johansen, Berisha, Berisha, King, Henriksen

by Nathan Motz