Bernardo Silva Sparks Outrage With Late Tackle on Martin Ødegaard During Portugal-Norway Match

Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League, but the match’s closing minutes were overshadowed by Bernardo Silva’s late kick to Martin Ødegaard after the Arsenal captain had released the ball. Ødegaard confronted Silva and later criticized the challenge as unnecessary and unacceptable, saying he had taken a knock to his ankle; he limped off but hoped the injury would not keep him out of action. Silva responded to questions about the clash with, “It’s football, my friend.” Norwegian players and commentators also condemned the tackle, while reports said Silva received a yellow card.
Bernardo Silva came on as Portugal’s final substitute in the 87th minute, replacing Pedro Neto, shortly before the incident.
Patrick Berg called the challenge “a horrible act” and said Ødegaard seemed to be in considerable pain; Andreas Schjelderup described it as a “late and harsh tackle,” while noting that referees cannot see everything.
João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos scored for Portugal, while Erling Haaland scored for Norway; the victory put Portugal top of Group D after two consecutive wins.
The teams were scheduled to meet again on October 4, with Norway due to play Wales and Portugal due to travel to Denmark beforehand.
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