Norway beat Wales 3-1 as Nusa sparks second-half breakthrough

Norway beat Wales 3-1 in Oslo on Saturday to move above their visitors in Nations League Group A4. Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup and Erling Haaland scored after a goalless first half, leaving Craig Bellamy's side certain to finish bottom of the group, according to BBC Sport's match report.

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Wales had created the better opportunities before the interval but could not turn that spell into a lead. BBC Sport's live coverage reported that Daniel James twice shot wide after being supplied by Harry Wilson, then forced Egil Selvik into the game's first save. Norway reached half-time without having registered an effort on target.

The hosts broke through around the hour mark when Wales failed to clear a corner properly and Nusa drove a shot in from the edge of the penalty area. Nine minutes later, Nusa and Haaland combined to set up substitute Schjelderup for a close-range finish, giving Norway a two-goal cushion.

David Brooks came off the bench to restore Welsh hopes with a chipped finish, but the visitors could not complete the comeback. Haaland converted an 88th-minute penalty after Connor Roberts brought down Schjelderup. The BBC's live account described Ben Davies' attempted headed clearance being intercepted by Haaland, who then played Schjelderup through before the foul.

Norway threatened again in stoppage time. Karl Darlow saved from Nusa and Davies blocked Haaland's follow-up to prevent the margin growing. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day Wales afterwards, captain Davies said the result was difficult to accept after his team's earlier work. He felt better finishing could have earned Wales something from the match, while also recognising positive elements in their performance against the World Cup quarter-finalists.

Wales finish their group campaign at home to Portugal in Cardiff on Tuesday. Norway and Denmark are both three points ahead, but Wales' inferior head-to-head records mean a win cannot lift them above either side. BBC Sport reported that a relegation play-off remained a possible route to retaining top-tier status; the defeat itself did not confirm relegation.