Martin Odegaard criticises Bernardo Silva over stoppage-time tackle in Portugal's 2-1 win

Stoppage-time clash in Oslo

Norway captain Martin Odegaard expressed anger following a late challenge from Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva during stoppage time of their Nations League match on Sunday. The incident took place at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, where Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over the hosts. Silva, who entered the match in the 87th minute to replace Pedro Neto, tackled Odegaard from behind after the Norwegian playmaker had delivered a long pass from inside his own half. Referee François Letexier issued a yellow card to Silva after the Portuguese midfielder kicked the rear of Odegaard's trailing left foot. Odegaard shouted expletives toward Silva on the pitch and remained on the grass clutching his foot before walking off with a visible limp.

“This has no place on a football pitch. It is a shame that people behave like this. It was a foolish action on his part, he just tackled me long after I passed the ball. I do not understand what he was trying to do.”

Post-match exchanges and squad reactions

Odegaard addressed reporters while limping toward the team bus more than an hour after the final whistle, stating that he received a heavy blow to his ankle. When questioned about what he told Silva directly after the foul, Odegaard declined to repeat the exact language on television. Norwegian teammates criticized the challenge, with 28-year-old midfielder Patrick Berg describing it as an intentional kick that caused severe pain. Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup also called the foul late and harsh, though he noted that referees cannot see every detail. In contrast, Portuguese forward Goncalo Ramos defended his teammate, remarking that physical challenges of that nature occur regularly during competitive matches.

“It's football, my friend.”

Premier League history and legal backdrop

Silva brushed aside questions from Norwegian media in the mixed zone, initially asking what tackle reporters were referring to before offering a brief dismissal. The clash revived an intense rivalry established during their time competing in the Premier League. Silva won six league titles across nine seasons at Manchester City before completing a transfer to Real Madrid during the summer. Odegaard captained Arsenal to second-place finishes behind City in 2023 and 2024, before leading the London club last season to their first league championship in 22 years. Arsenal and Manchester City occupy the top two positions in the English league table as proceedings continue surrounding the 115 financial charges against Silva's former club.

Upcoming international schedule

Both national teams now prepare for the remainder of their autumn international schedule. Odegaard stated that he expects his ankle condition to improve over the coming days in order to participate in Norway's upcoming fixture against Wales on Thursday. Portugal travels to face Denmark at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Thursday, 1 October, with kickoff set for 20:45 local time. The two teams will meet again for their return Nations League group fixture in Lisbon on Sunday.