Norway beat Wales 3-1 as Nations League relegation threat grows

Wales lost 3-1 to Norway at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on Saturday, a defeat that leaves Craig Bellamy's side certain to finish bottom of UEFA Nations League Group A4 and facing the threat of relegation.

Wales on top before the break

Wales were the better side in a goalless first half, creating the more dangerous chances, with Daniel James going close on three occasions, according to Sky Sports and BBC Sport.

Norway took the lead with their first shot on target. Antonio Nusa struck from the edge of the penalty area after an hour, sending the ball into the bottom left corner.

Nine minutes later Nusa and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland combined to set up substitute Andreas Schjelderup, who tapped in to double the lead.

David Brooks, also off the bench, revived Wales with a chipped finish in the 79th minute. But Haaland converted a penalty in the 88th minute to settle the match after Connor Roberts brought down Schjelderup in the box. Sky Sports says Roberts pushed the forward, while BBC Sport calls it a foul.

What it means for the group

By avenging their defeat in Cardiff a month ago, Norway moved above Wales into third place, according to BBC Sport.

Wales are on three points. Norway and Denmark are both three points ahead, and Wales cannot overtake either because of their inferior head-to-head record, even with a win over group leaders Portugal.

Automatic relegation can still be avoided if Wales are not one of the two worst bottom-placed teams in tier A. BBC Sport reports they are almost certain to face a relegation play-off against a League B side in March.

Portugal next

Wales host Portugal, the group leaders and reigning champions, in their final group game on Tuesday.

Sky Sports' Peter Smith said: "Even a win won't be enough to get off bottom spot due to head-to-head records with Denmark and Norway."