Kristoffer Ajer Reflects on 'Big Moment' After Stunning Norway Goal

Kristoffer Ajer knew his half-volley was heading in almost as soon as it left his foot, but the Brentford defender’s third international goal was not enough to earn Norway anything from their final game of the break.

Ajer opened the scoring against Portugal after 36 minutes in Porto. Martin Odegaard sent a free-kick towards the right side of the penalty area, Ajer brought the ball down on his chest and struck it on the half-volley, sending a dipping effort beyond Diogo Costa and into the far corner.

The reaction on the Norway bench said plenty, with players and staff smiling with hands on their heads at a finish few would have expected from a centre-back. Ajer had no doubts about where the strike was ending up.

“It was struck well. It was a big moment. The second it left my foot, I knew it was going in. It was incredible to see the flight of the shot.” said, speaking to TV2. 

Norway’s lead lasted only two minutes. João Cancelo equalised with another outstanding strike before the interval, and the game remained level until the closing stages, when Gonçalo Ramos finished a move through the middle to put Portugal 2-1 ahead in the 79th minute.

Francisco Conceição was sent off after collecting two yellow cards in quick succession, giving Norway a late numerical advantage, but there was no equaliser.

Ajer’s goal had given them the chance of ending a difficult run with a result in Porto. Instead, they were beaten by Portugal for the second time in little more than a week. “There are small margins, and they tip in their favour. It’s bitter. Once again we put in a good performance against Portugal, but come away with no points, and of course that’s disappointing.” Ajer told TV2.

Norway had also lost 2-1 when the sides met at Ullevaal on 27 September, before another defeat by the same scoreline away to Wales four days later. Their international break had begun with a 3-2 victory over Denmark.

Ajer played 90 minutes in all of Norway’s UEFA Nations League matches across the international break. A busy schedule saw four matches in the space of 11 days, with the 28-year-old retaining his place throughout Norway’s opening run of Nations League fixtures. He was one of the constants in a defence which changed around him during the break and finished it with his name on the scoresheet.

There had not been much rest at club level beforehand either. Ajer had also played every minute of Brentford’s first five Premier League matches of the season, whilst also starting in the Bees’ Carabao Cup win at Reading.

The run reflects the place Ajer has held in Keith Andrews’ side at the beginning of the season. Brentford have used him alongside Nathan Collins and Jannik Schuster at the back, while his five league appearances before the international break amounted to the full 450 minutes available.

His goal in Porto was a rather different contribution. Sunday’s strike was only his third goal for Norway in 61 appearances and came against a Portugal side who had won each of their opening three Nations League games.

Despite the finish, it couldn’t change the direction of Norway’s night. Ramos’ late winner left Ståle Solbakken’s side with three points from their first four matches and brought a busy international spell to a disappointing end.

Ajer will now return to a Brentford side which went into the break unbeaten in the Premier League. The Bees’ most recent league game brought a memorable 3-0 win over Chelsea, with the season resuming with a trip to Villa Park.