Portugal come for Sunday’s rematch against Norway with a swagger and strikingly without the most famous name in their squad.

Cristiano Ronaldo left camp before Thursday’s trip to Copenhagen amid reports of a falling out with Jorge Jesus, yet his absence barely registered as Portugal twice regained the lead to beat Denmark 4-2 and keep their perfect start to Group A4 intact.

Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha and a late Joao Felix strike did the damage, giving Jesus a night of quiet vindication. 

Norway, by contrast, are nursing bruises. Many fancied them to win this section with Erling Haaland leading the line, but a 2-1 defeat to Portugal at the Ullevaal Stadium was followed by a shock loss in Wales, and qualification for the finals suddenly looks precarious.

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Portugal vs. Norway prediction

The most useful pattern from Portugal’s three games is that their goals come from everywhere. Against Denmark, Cancelo, Ramos, Vitinha and Felix all scored, so Norway cannot simply mark one player out of the game. Portugal’s strength is the number of players who can hurt you and the predicted midfield of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva is built to feed them.

The flip side is that Portugal have conceded in their last two games where we have a score, one in Oslo and two in Copenhagen. Norway have a player who thrives on exactly that kind of opening. Haaland only needs one chance, and Martin Odegaard’s passing is what could create it, so a Norway goal looks likely.

Portugal should create more and score more, but not keep a clean sheet.

Score Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Norway (+750 at FanDuel)

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Portugal vs. Norway best bets

We’ve picked three betting angles for Portugal vs. Norway. Check them out below before placing your bets on the match.

This is the most straightforward selection. Portugal have won all three of their group games, including 2-1 in Oslo last week, and they lead the head-to-head 3-1. A win would also guarantee their place in the knockout stage while Norway are coming off back-to-back defeats.

Portugal conceded once in Oslo and twice in Copenhagen, so they have not kept a clean sheet in the last two games. Norway have Haaland, and they need a result, which should push them to attack.

Portugal are likely to score two goals, so someone has to supply them. Fernandes is the likely creator. Portugal should have most of the ball against a Norway side that needs a result and will leave space, so he should get plenty of chances to set up a goal.

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Best soccer sportsbook promos

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Portugal vs. Norway odds

Portugal are the big favourites against Norway. See the odds at the time of writing or follow it live with The Sporting News.

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Best SGP for Portugal vs. Norway

Here is our favorite SGP for Portugal vs. Norway:

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