Portugal centre-back Renato Veiga isn’t having sleepless nights at the prospect of facing red-hot Norway striker Erling Haaland in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday (September 27) in Oslo.
Jorge Jesus’ Portugal opened their Nations League title defence with a narrow 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon, with Joao Felix bagging the game’s only goal midway through the first period. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo missed a big chance early on and had a second-half effort ruled out due to offside by VAR before he was subbed off for Goncalo Ramos.
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Meanwhile, Stale Solbakken’s Norway warmed up for their clash with Ronaldo and Co. by beating Denmark 3-2 in midweek in their Nations League opener, with Haaland starring with a brace, continuing his bright start to the season with Manchester City.
“Nobody is discrediting anyone,” Veiga said about facing Haaland (as per OJogo). “He’s a top striker, but they have other top players too. We have to trust in our work as a group. There are more important things to keep me up at night. I haven’t disrespected anyone.”
“We haven’t talked about the Norwegian striker yet. We’ve talked as a team. We’re going to play against Norway. We know he’s a top striker, but their team has many qualities. They’re very dynamic, very direct. We’re focused on what we’re going to do, on what the coach asks, how we’re going to defend and attack.”
Portugal are looking to become the first team to win the Nations League thrice, having won their second title last year by beating Spain on penalties.
How has Norway’s Erling Haaland fared this season?
Erling Haaland has had a solid start to the 2026-27 season with Manchester City, scoring seven times in seven games across competitions. Five of those strikes have come in the Premier League, where Manchester City are three points clear at the top after five matches.
Having failed to score in the season-opening 2-1 home win over AFC Bournemouth last month, the Norway international netted in his next four league games.
Erling Haaland also found the back of the net twice as 2023 treble-winners City opened their quest for a second UEFA Champions League title with a 2-0 victory at FC Porto.
Edited by Bhargav
