Portugal hit back to floor Norway

Portugal coach Rui Jorge credited the vociferous fans at the Cidade de Barcelos after his side came from behind to record an emphatic 5-1 victory over Norway.

The hosts looked up against it when Mushaga Bakenga converted from the spot on 15 minutes after Josué had brought down Yann-Erik de Lanlay. Yet they showed no sign of panic as they stormed back and by half-time they led 3-1 and were well on course to open their UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 8 qualifying campaign with three points.

First Betinho pounced on a loose ball after Eirik Holmen Johansen could only parry Paulo Oliveira's header, then Ivan Cavaleiro dribbled round his marker before finishing with his left foot. Norwegian hopes were all but lost when Sérgio Oliveira's dipping long-range effort found the net just before the interval.

"The game was very difficult in the first 30 minutes, we started anxious and lacked focus," said Rui Jorge. "It's important to win. The players have to be happy with themselves for the passion they showed on the pitch to turn the match around the way they did. It was fantastic to play in front of these fans, too: they were great throughout the 90 minutes."

They had less to shout about in the second half as Portugal eased off, controlling possession, but there were two more goals to celebrate. Just after the hour mark William Carvalho fired a spot kick high into the top right after Betinho was brought down by Fredrik Ulvestad, only just on as a substitute. Then following a João Mário corner 12 minutes from time, Rafa Silva found FC Porto winger Ricardo who fired in off the upright.