‘It doesn’t belong on a football field’ – Ødegaard reacts to Silva tackle
Norway captain Martin Odegaard was left furious after Bernardo Silva caught him with a late challenge during his side’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal.
Martin Odegaard was left angry after Bernardo Silva caught him with a late challenge during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal in Oslo.
The Arsenal captain had already released the ball when Silva’s late intervention caught his ankle in stoppage time, leaving Odegaard on the pitch in visible discomfort before he eventually completed the match.
After the final whistle, the Norwegian midfielder criticised the incident and questioned Silva’s decision to make the challenge so long after the ball had gone.
Norwegian teammate Patrick Berg also described the tackle as deliberate, while Silva offered a brief response when questioned afterwards. Despite the concern surrounding the incident, Odegaard indicated that he expected the ankle to improve over the following days.
The Arsenal captain had played an influential role before the late incident, completing 81 passes from 113 touches and creating four chances, while his free-kick contributed to Erling Haaland’s equaliser.
Norway ultimately suffered their first home defeat in 15 matches under Ståle Solbakken, with Goncalo Ramos scoring Portugal’s late winner.
