Wales suffered a 3-1 defeat to Norway in Oslo that dents their hopes of staying in the top tier of the Nations League. Antonio Nusa put Norway ahead around the hour mark, drilling in from the edge of the penalty area after Wales failed to properly clear a corner, and Andreas Schjelderup doubled the lead nine minutes later after combining with Nusa and Erling Haaland. Substitute David Brooks halved the deficit with a delicate chipped finish 11 minutes from time, but Connor Roberts brought down Schjelderup and Haaland converted the resulting penalty, extending his Nations League goals record to 23.

The result avenged Norway's October defeat in Cardiff, when Wales earned their first win at this level, and it moves Norway above Wales into third place in Group A4. Wales had created the better chances in a goalless first half, with Daniel James, Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson all dangerous on the break and James forcing goalkeeper Egil Selvik into the first save of the game. Coach Craig Bellamy had vowed his side would go "all out" for victory, and Wales remain without an away win against a team ranked above them since beating Israel during Euro 2016 qualifying 11 years ago.S1S2

Wales will finish bottom of the group even if they beat group leaders and reigning champions Portugal at home on Tuesday, because Norway and Denmark, both three points ahead, hold the head-to-head advantage. Wales are therefore almost certain to face a relegation play-off against a League B team in March, which gives them a second chance to stay in the top division. The defeat also means Wales will not be among the top seeds for Euro 2028 qualifying.S1S2