Football
UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 Highlights: Portugal Reach Quarter-Finals as Højlund Decisive for Denmark
UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 highlights: Portugal beat Norway 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals, while Højlund scored for Denmark against Wales.while Rasmus Højlund scored the decisive penalty as Denmark defeated Wales 1-0.
The fourth matchday of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League produced several important results across League A and the lower divisions. Portugal maintained their perfect start in Group A4, while Denmark strengthened their position with a narrow victory in Wales. The Netherlands also moved into a strong position in Group A2 after beating Serbia 2-1.
Elsewhere, Germany were held to a goalless draw by Greece, Austria drew with Kosovo, Ireland and Israel shared the points, and Azerbaijan moved to the top of Group D2.
Portugal 2-1 Norway: Ramos sends Portugal into the quarter-finals
Portugal completed a perfect four wins from four matches by coming from behind to defeat Norway 2-1 at home.
The result confirmed Portugal’s place in the Nations League quarter-finals and kept their 100% record intact. UEFA lists Portugal at the top of Group A4 with 12 points from four matches, six points clear of Denmark.
Norway produced the first major moment of the match in the 36th minute.
Kristoffer Ajer put the visitors ahead with a spectacular finish from the edge of the penalty area. The Norwegian defender connected with the ball using the outside of his right foot and sent it toward the far corner, giving Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa little chance.
Portugal’s response was immediate.
Just two minutes later, João Cancelo brought the hosts level with an outstanding strike of his own. A long throw eventually fell to the Portugal right-back outside the penalty area, and Cancelo’s powerful volley found the top-right corner.
The teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
Portugal continued to control large portions of possession after the break, forcing Norway to defend deeper. Norway still looked dangerous on the counterattack, with Erling Haaland involved in the visitors’ attacking moves.
Haaland was eventually substituted in the 68th minute, with Jørgen Strand Larsen replacing him. The supplied live match report described the Manchester City striker as looking tired as he left the field.
Portugal eventually found the breakthrough in the 79th minute.
João Félix received the ball near the far post and spotted Gonçalo Ramos making a run. Félix’s clever lay-off allowed Ramos to finish from close range and complete Portugal’s comeback.
Ramos’ goal proved decisive as Portugal protected their 2-1 advantage through the closing stages.
The match ended with additional drama when Francisco Conceição was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.
Portugal’s victory means they are guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals, while Norway remain in fourth place in Group A4 and will need results from their remaining matches to improve their position.
Portugal’s Group A4 position
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 4 | 12 |
| Denmark | 4 | 6 |
| Wales | 4 | 3 |
| Norway | 4 | 3 |
Portugal have won all four of their group matches and have scored nine goals while conceding four.
Wales 0-1 Denmark: Højlund delivers from the penalty spot
Denmark claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff, with Rasmus Højlund once again proving decisive.
Wales started positively and enjoyed periods of possession early in the match. Brennan Johnson and Lewis Koumas provided attacking threats as the hosts attempted to put Denmark under pressure.
Denmark gradually grew into the contest.
Gustav Isaksen and Oliver Provstgaard both went close before halftime, while Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward produced two important saves in quick succession to deny Højlund and Isaksen.
The decisive moment came when a misplaced pass from Ward resulted in a penalty.
Højlund stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick.
The goal was particularly significant for the Manchester United striker. UEFA notes that it was Højlund’s third goal in his last four Nations League appearances.
The 1-0 victory gave Denmark their second win of the campaign and extended their unbeaten run against Wales to five matches.
Denmark now sit second in Group A4 on six points, although Portugal have already created a substantial lead at the top.
Netherlands 2-1 Serbia: Zirkzee makes the difference
The Netherlands continued their unbeaten start under Xavi Hernández with a 2-1 victory over Serbia in Eindhoven.
The Dutch dominated the opening stages and eventually took the lead when Teun Koopmeiners’ free-kick travelled through a crowded penalty area and found the net.
Serbia responded before halftime.
Mihajlo Cvetković scored with a header, ensuring the Netherlands had both scored and conceded in every match of their Nations League campaign.
The Netherlands continued searching for a winner, and Joshua Zirkzee eventually provided it.
The forward scored from close range with 19 minutes remaining to give the Oranje their second win of the group stage.
The victory leaves the Netherlands unbeaten after four matches, with two wins and two draws.
Greece 0-0 Germany: Hosts frustrate Klopp’s side
Germany were held to a 0-0 draw by Greece in Thessaloniki.
The result was particularly notable because Greece had beaten Germany for the first time in their previous meeting.
Greece nearly opened the scoring when Giorgos Masouras’ header was saved by Jonas Urbig.
Germany responded with sustained pressure during the first half. The visitors produced 15 attempts before halftime and forced Greece goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis into several interventions, including a strong save from David Raum.
The second half was much quieter.
Germany continued to search for a breakthrough but could not find one, while Philipp Treu came closest late on when his half-volley went over the crossbar.
The draw allowed Greece to remain unbeaten in the section.
Kosovo 1-1 Austria: UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 highlights
Austria maintained their position at the top of Group B3 after drawing 1-1 away to Kosovo.
Kosovo took the lead through substitute Fisnik Asllani in the 70th minute.
Austria responded late through another substitute, with Christoph Lang heading in the equalizer.
The point kept Austria at the summit of Group B3.
Ireland 1-1 Israel: UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 highlights
The Republic of Ireland and Israel finished 1-1 in a match played behind closed doors on neutral ground.
Ireland took the lead through Troy Parrott, who continued his impressive scoring run.
Parrott’s goal was his fourth in three Nations League matches, with all four goals coming during the first half.
Israel eventually found an equalizer to secure a point.
Azerbaijan 1-0 Lithuania: UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 highlights
Azerbaijan moved to the top of Group D2 after beating Lithuania 1-0.
Sabah forward Abdulakh Khaibulaev scored his first international goal to settle the contest.
The victory also means Azerbaijan remain the only unbeaten team in the group.
Malta 1-0 Andorra: UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 highlights
Malta continued their strong campaign in Group D1 with a 1-0 victory over Andorra.
The result moved Malta five points clear at the top of the section, according to UEFA’s Matchday 4 roundup.
What the Matchday 4 results mean
Portugal’s victory was the biggest result of the day.
The reigning Nations League champions have won all four of their matches and have now secured their passage into the quarter-finals. Reuters also reported that Portugal’s win maintained their perfect Group A4 record and moved them six points ahead of Denmark.
For Norway, the situation is considerably more difficult.
The team remain on three points after four matches and will need strong results in their remaining fixtures to improve their chances of advancing.
Denmark’s victory keeps them firmly in the race for second place, while Wales also remain mathematically involved despite their defeat.
The Netherlands’ victory was equally important in Group A2, where the Dutch remain unbeaten and strengthened their position after Greece and Germany played out a goalless draw.
Matchday 4 results: UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 highlights
The completed Sunday fixtures were:
- Greece 0-0 Germany
- Netherlands 2-1 Serbia
- Portugal 2-1 Norway
- Wales 0-1 Denmark
- Kosovo 1-1 Austria
- Republic of Ireland 1-1 Israel
- Malta 1-0 Andorra
- Azerbaijan 1-0 Lithuania
UEFA’s official results list confirms the Matchday 4 scorelines.
Matchday 4 continues Monday and Tuesday
The fourth matchday is not finished yet.
Monday’s schedule includes France vs Belgium, Italy vs Türkiye, Northern Ireland vs Georgia, Ukraine vs Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Poland, Romania vs Sweden, Cyprus vs Latvia and Montenegro vs Armenia.
Tuesday features several major League A fixtures, including Croatia vs Spain and England vs Czechia.
The results could significantly reshape the qualification picture before the Nations League league phase resumes for its final matches in November.
The bigger picture
Sunday’s action showed how quickly the Nations League table can change.
Portugal have already achieved the main objective by securing a quarter-final place, but the battle behind them remains open. Denmark have given themselves an important boost, while Norway now face a much tougher path after another defeat.
Højlund’s penalty also underlined Denmark’s reliance on their attacking forward. With three goals in his last four Nations League appearances, the striker has become one of the key figures in Denmark’s campaign.
For the Netherlands, Zirkzee’s late contribution kept their unbeaten run alive, while Germany’s inability to beat Greece means the pressure will remain on Jürgen Klopp’s side.
With the final two matchdays still to come in November, the race for qualification, promotion and survival remains wide open across the UEFA Nations League.
Erling Haaland Injury has become a talking point for Manchester City after the Norway striker asked to be substituted during Sunday’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Portugal.
The Manchester City forward was replaced by Jørgen Strand Larsen in the 67th minute at the Estádio do Dragão after appearing to signal toward the Norway bench and subsequently limping from the field.
The incident immediately raised concerns because Haaland’s next club assignment is a major Premier League meeting with Liverpool at Anfield.
However, there is an important distinction between an injury scare and a confirmed injury: no official diagnosis or confirmed injury timeline had been announced immediately after the Portugal match. Norway coach Ståle Solbakken also suggested that workload and fatigue were significant factors in the decision to manage Haaland’s minutes.
Table of Contents
What Happened to Erling Haaland Against Portugal?
Haaland started Norway’s Nations League match against Portugal but did not finish the game.
The striker was substituted in the 67th minute, with Strand Larsen coming on as Norway attempted to remain competitive against the defending Nations League champions.
Official Norwegian match records confirm the substitution took place at 67 minutes.
The concern intensified because Haaland appeared to communicate with the bench before coming off and was seen limping as he left the field.
At that point, the match was still tied 1-1.
Norway had taken the lead through Kristoffer Ajer in the 36th minute, but Portugal responded almost immediately when João Cancelo equalized two minutes later.
Haaland’s night ended before Portugal eventually found the winning goal.
Gonçalo Ramos scored in the 79th minute, giving Portugal a 2-1 victory and completing another win over Norway.
Is Erling Haaland Actually Injured?
That is still the biggest unanswered question.
As of the latest available reporting, there has been no confirmed diagnosis establishing the nature or severity of a Haaland injury.
That means reports describing the incident as a major injury should be treated cautiously.
What is confirmed is that Haaland asked to come off and appeared uncomfortable as he left the pitch.
What remains unclear is whether he suffered a specific physical problem or whether the substitution was primarily precautionary because of fatigue and workload.
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken provided some important context after the match.
He explained that he had a conversation with Haaland before the game about his workload and said the striker had already played a heavy schedule.
Solbakken indicated that Norway had discussed the possibility of limiting Haaland’s minutes and that the striker’s physical condition was a consideration.
That makes the situation less straightforward than a typical injury substitution.
What Did Ståle Solbakken Say About Haaland?
Solbakken’s comments are particularly important because they provide the clearest explanation available from the Norway camp.
The coach said he had a “heart-to-heart conversation” with Haaland before the Portugal match concerning the striker’s workload.
According to Solbakken, Haaland had already played three consecutive full matches in the previous 10 days.
The Norway coach said they discussed different options, including the possibility that Haaland could play only part of the Portugal game.
Solbakken also indicated that Haaland had been feeling the physical effects of his recent workload.
That context helps explain why the Norway staff were prepared to take the striker off before the final stages of the match.
The fact that Haaland himself signaled for the substitution, however, naturally created concern.
For now, the safest conclusion is that Haaland experienced enough discomfort or fatigue to request an early exit, but a serious injury has not been confirmed.
Haaland’s Substitution Came at a Crucial Moment
The timing made the incident even more noticeable.
Haaland left with the score tied 1-1 and just over 20 minutes remaining.
Norway had already demonstrated that it could hurt Portugal.
Ajer had put the visitors ahead with an outstanding finish in the 36th minute.
Portugal answered almost instantly through Cancelo.
The match remained level at halftime and into the second half.
Haaland had a chance of his own shortly after the hour mark, but his effort went across the face of goal rather than finding the net. AFP reported that he was replaced a few minutes later.
After Haaland departed, Portugal eventually broke the deadlock.
Ramos scored in the 79th minute after being set up by João Félix.
Portugal then survived the closing stages despite finishing with 10 men following Francisco Conceição’s dismissal.
The 2-1 result secured Portugal’s place in the Nations League quarterfinals.
Why Manchester City Will Be Watching Closely
The timing of Haaland’s substitution is particularly significant for Manchester City.
The club is scheduled to return to Premier League action against Liverpool at Anfield.
That means City could potentially face a major selection question if Haaland is not fully fit.
Haaland has been one of the most important attacking players in European football and remains central to City’s offensive plans.
A confirmed absence would obviously change the team’s attacking options.
But it is too early to conclude that he will miss the Liverpool game.
The available evidence currently points to a player who was struggling enough to leave the match, combined with a Norway coaching staff already conscious of his workload.
The next step is a proper medical assessment.
Until that happens, predictions about a specific return date would be premature.
Haaland Had Already Been Carrying a Heavy Workload
One of the most revealing details from Solbakken was the reference to Haaland’s recent workload.
The striker had played three straight 90-minute matches before facing Portugal.
That is significant for any player.
For a striker who relies heavily on explosive acceleration, physical duels and repeated high-intensity movements, fatigue can become a serious performance and injury-management issue.
International windows can also create unusual scheduling pressures.
Players leave their clubs, travel internationally, train with a different coaching staff and then return to domestic competition.
For elite players involved in club and international football, workload management has become an increasingly important part of modern football.
Solbakken’s comments suggest Norway was already aware of that issue before Haaland’s substitution.
How Many Goals Has Haaland Scored for Norway?
Haaland has become Norway’s leading attacking figure and has an extraordinary international scoring record.
He entered the Portugal match with 65 goals in 58 appearances for Norway, according to the supplied reporting.
He did not add to that total against Portugal.
His inability to score was also unusual given his recent form.
The striker has been among the leading scorers for Manchester City this season, with reports putting his total at seven goals across his appearances before the Portugal match.
That makes his fitness especially important to City.
Portugal Completes Another Win Over Norway
The Haaland concern overshadowed a significant result for Portugal.
Portugal defeated Norway 2-1, repeating the scoreline from their earlier meeting.
Norway had actually started the game strongly.
Ajer’s spectacular goal gave the visitors the lead after 36 minutes.
But Portugal’s response was immediate.
Cancelo equalized just two minutes later, sending the teams into halftime level.
Portugal then found the decisive goal through Ramos in the 79th minute.
The victory maintained Portugal’s perfect record in Group A4 and guaranteed the defending champions a place in the Nations League quarterfinals.
Haaland’s Exit Was Not the Only Major Story
Portugal’s victory also came without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo had left the national-team camp before the previous match after learning he would not start, adding another layer of drama to Portugal’s international window.
Ramos, who started in Ronaldo’s place, ultimately scored the winner against Norway.
That made the match significant for Portugal on several levels.
But from a Manchester City perspective, Haaland’s substitution was arguably the most important development.
The result itself will matter to Norway’s Nations League campaign.
Haaland’s fitness could matter much more to City over the next few weeks.
What Does This Mean for Haaland’s Next Game?
At this stage, there are three important facts to keep in mind.
First, Haaland did leave the match early.
He was substituted in the 67th minute after signaling toward the bench, and he appeared to be limping as he departed.
Second, Norway has not publicly confirmed a serious injury.
The available comments from Solbakken instead emphasize fatigue and workload management.
Third, Manchester City still needs its own medical assessment before Haaland’s availability can be determined.
Therefore, it would be misleading to declare that Haaland is definitely injured or definitely ruled out of the Liverpool match.
The correct description at this point is an injury concern requiring assessment.
Why the Liverpool Match Matters
Manchester City’s next Premier League fixture is against Liverpool at Anfield.
That makes Haaland’s situation particularly important.
Liverpool away is one of the most demanding fixtures on the Premier League calendar, and City’s attacking approach could be significantly affected if its leading striker is unavailable.
But there is also a reason for caution.
If Haaland’s issue is primarily fatigue rather than a significant physical injury, the early substitution could actually have been part of a broader workload-management strategy.
The Norway camp had already discussed limiting his playing time.
That means the decision to remove him may ultimately prove precautionary rather than a sign of a long-term problem.
Only further medical information will establish that.
Norway Will Not Want to Take Unnecessary Risks
From Norway’s perspective, there was little reason to keep an uncomfortable Haaland on the pitch.
The match was still competitive, but the Nations League campaign extends beyond one night.
Norway’s next scheduled Nations League fixtures are against Wales on November 14 and Denmark on November 17, according to the Norwegian Football Federation’s current schedule.
Protecting the team’s biggest attacking asset is therefore understandable.
For Haaland himself, the priority is also clear.
A short-term precautionary substitution is far preferable to turning fatigue or a minor problem into a longer absence.
The Bigger Issue: Haaland’s Workload
The incident also highlights a wider issue affecting elite football.
Haaland’s schedule does not consist only of Premier League matches.
He also plays Champions League football, domestic cup competitions and international matches for Norway.
That workload creates constant pressure on players and medical teams.
For a striker with Haaland’s physical profile, maintaining availability can be just as important as maximizing minutes in every individual match.
Solbakken’s comments suggest Norway understood that before the Portugal game.
The coach had already discussed the situation directly with Haaland.
The eventual substitution may therefore have been the result of a combination of fatigue, discomfort and careful workload management.
What We Know About the Haaland Injury Scare
Here’s the current picture:
- Opponent: Portugal
- Competition: UEFA Nations League
- Result: Portugal 2-1 Norway
- Haaland started: Yes
- Haaland substituted: 67th minute
- Replacement: Jørgen Strand Larsen
- Reason: Haaland appeared to signal that he wanted to come off; exact injury status remains unclear
- Confirmed serious injury: No
- Norway coach’s explanation: Workload and fatigue were major considerations
- Next major club concern: Manchester City’s trip to Liverpool
- Haaland goals for Norway: 65 in 58 appearances before this match, according to the latest reporting
Official Norwegian match records confirm the timing of the substitution and the identity of the replacement.
Haaland Injury Update: What Happens Next?
The immediate priority will be assessment.
Manchester City’s medical team will need to establish whether Haaland suffered a specific injury, experienced muscular discomfort or simply reached the point where continuing was unnecessary.
That information will determine whether he can train normally and prepare for City’s next fixture.
Until an official update is released, fans should be cautious about social-media claims describing the problem as a major injury.
The visual of Haaland limping off was enough to cause concern, but the available evidence does not yet establish a serious diagnosis.
Final Verdict: Injury Scare, Not Yet a Confirmed Major Injury
Erling Haaland’s early departure from Norway’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal was undoubtedly concerning.
The Manchester City striker signaled toward the bench, came off in the 67th minute and appeared to limp as he left the pitch.
But there is currently a crucial difference between what happened on the field and what has been medically confirmed.
Haaland has not been publicly confirmed to have suffered a serious injury.
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken’s comments point toward fatigue and workload management as significant factors, while the exact physical issue, if any, remains unclear.
That leaves Manchester City waiting for further assessment before the club can know whether its star striker will be available for the Liverpool clash.
For now, the story is best described as an Erling Haaland injury scare rather than a confirmed long-term injury.
And after a demanding international schedule, that distinction could prove extremely important for both Haaland and Manchester City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Erling Haaland against Portugal?
Haaland started Norway’s Nations League match against Portugal but asked to be substituted in the 67th minute. He was replaced by Jørgen Strand Larsen and appeared to be uncomfortable as he left the field.
Is Erling Haaland injured?
The exact nature and severity of any injury have not been confirmed. Norway coach Ståle Solbakken indicated that workload and fatigue were important considerations surrounding Haaland’s minutes.
Why was Haaland substituted against Portugal?
Haaland appeared to signal to the Norway bench that he wanted to come off. Solbakken had already discussed managing his workload after a demanding run of matches.
Who replaced Erling Haaland?
Jørgen Strand Larsen replaced Haaland in the 67th minute.
Will Haaland play against Liverpool?
His availability cannot be confirmed until Manchester City’s medical assessment is completed. At the time of the latest reports, there was no confirmed diagnosis ruling him out.
What was the Portugal vs Norway score?
Portugal defeated Norway 2-1. Kristoffer Ajer scored for Norway, while João Cancelo and Gonçalo Ramos scored for Portugal.
How many goals has Haaland scored for Norway?
Haaland had scored 65 goals in 58 appearances for Norway before the Portugal match, according to the latest reporting supplied for the story.
When did Haaland leave the Portugal game?
Haaland was substituted in the 67th minute and replaced by Jørgen Strand Larsen.
UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 Highlights: Portugal Reach Quarter-Finals as Højlund Decisive for Denmark
Erling Haaland Injury Scare: Norway Star Asked to Come Off Against Portugal
