Norway 3-1 Wales Player Ratings: Antonio Nusa 8.5/10 Sparkles as Vikings Register 2nd Win Over Wales

The Norway vs Wales clash in the UEFA Nations League A ended in a 3-1 win for the hosts as fans left the Ullevaal Stadion feeling proud of a confident showing from the hosts. The scoreline might flatter fans of the visitors at first glance, yet the control from Norway felt even more decisive from our perspective. Their structure without the ball, especially through the back line, suffocated a Welsh side that usually thrives in transition.

What stood out to us was how often Norway’s midfield three, led by Martin Ødegaard, found pockets between the lines. They recycled possession calmly, used the width of Ullevaal Stadion and then struck with real purpose when chances opened up. Meanwhile, Wales carried some threat on the break through Harry Wilson and Daniel James, but their final decisions lacked conviction and composure.

The turning point was clearly the opener from Antonio Nusa, who was electric all night, followed quickly by substitute Andreas Schjelderup’s composed second. From our perspective, Wales never truly recovered emotionally from going behind. Norway’s back four and keeper simply managed the game with veteran calm. In a tight UEFA Nations League contest like this, that kind of maturity often decides everything.

Check out Norway vs Wales player ratings in this article!!

Norway Player Ratings vs Wales

Goalkeeper

Egil Selvik - 7.5: We noticed how composed he looked even when Wales broke through. His save from Daniel James in the first half steadied Norway at a tricky moment. Another important stop from Mark Harris after the break underlined his sharp positioning. Distribution was tidy, with several smart passes into midfield that helped relieve pressure. From our perspective he exuded calm, and that clearly spread to the back line.

Defenders

Julian Ryerson - 6.5: Ryerson’s night felt solid rather than spectacular. He pushed high and delivered a few dangerous crosses, including one that Aasgaard headed wide early. However, he lost the ball more than we expected in simple areas. Defensively his positioning stayed disciplined, even when Wales tried to overload his flank. Overall, we felt his work rate was excellent but his end product could improve slightly.

Kristoffer Ajer - 7: Ajer brought real authority to the heart of defence. He barely lost a duel and read Wales’ long balls superbly. We noticed him stepping out confidently to intercept passes into Liam Cullen’s feet. On the ball he was almost flawless, recycling possession with 95 percent passing accuracy. From our perspective his calm presence allowed Norway’s full-backs to push on without fear.

Torbjørn Heggem - 6.5: Heggem mixed some strong defensive moments with one or two nervy touches. His clearances under pressure were crucial as Wales slung in crosses late on. We also saw him go close with that early chance, though his finish lacked composure. Positionally, he held the line well alongside Ajer. We’d say this was a quietly encouraging performance for a defender still bedding into this level.

David Møller Wolfe - 7.5: From our perspective, David Møller Wolfe had one of his tidiest games for Norway. He defended his flank well, rarely being beaten one-versus-one. His overlapping runs were timed smartly rather than constantly reckless. Several measured passes inside opened lanes for Ødegaard and Nusa. We also noticed his anticipation with three interceptions, which broke up Welsh counters before they developed. Overall, a very complete modern full-back display.

Midfielders

Sander Berge - 7: Berge quietly dictated the rhythm more than the raw numbers show. We saw him drop between the centre-backs to help build from deep. His range of passing, especially into the final third, kept Wales shuffling constantly. He did miss a good chance in the second half, which slightly dents his score. But his five recoveries and calm presence under pressure really anchored Norway’s structure. From our perspective, he knits this side together beautifully.

Martin Ødegaard - 7.5: We felt Ødegaard controlled the tempo whenever Norway settled in possession. His passing radar looked razor sharp, especially those switches of play to the wingers. He created multiple openings from set-pieces and open play, including the cross for Heggem’s early chance. At times he overcomplicated things and surrendered cheap turnovers. Even so, his leadership and constant availability between the lines kept Wales pinned back. For us, he set the creative tone for this Norway win.

Thelo Aasgaard - 6.5: Aasgaard’s performance felt industrious but a touch wasteful in front of goal. He had several headed chances but failed to hit the target with any. We appreciated his aggressive pressing and willingness to track back into his own box. His passing was functional, rarely spectacular, yet he still linked nicely with Ødegaard. From our perspective he faded slightly before being replaced, so 6.5 feels fair overall.

Forwards

Oscar Bobb - 7: Bobb’s work off the ball really impressed us. He snapped into tackles and duels, winning an impressive share for a forward. In possession he drifted into central pockets to combine and slip passes into runners. At times his decision-making could have been quicker in transition. Still, his balance of graft and guile helped Norway maintain pressure high up the pitch. His substitution felt more about fresh legs than poor performance.

Erling Haaland - 7: This was a different sort of game for Haaland. We noticed he had very few touches, yet his impact was still decisive. His assist for Schjelderup’s goal showed patience and awareness in the box. He also battled manfully against a packed Welsh defence, winning some key aerial duels. Defensively, he pressed with surprising intensity, even making a tackle deep. From our perspective he sacrificed personal chances for the team’s structure.

Antonio Nusa - 8.5: For us, Antonio Nusa was clearly the highest rated player on the pitch. His goal broke the deadlock with a composed finish into the bottom corner. Beyond the strike, he constantly ran at defenders and forced Wales backward. We noticed his confidence grow with every successful dribble and combination. He also created chances for teammates, including a clever pass for Berge’s effort. From our perspective, this was a statement Nations League performance packed with flair and end product.

Substitutes

Andreas Schjelderup - 7.5: Schjelderup changed the game’s feel almost instantly after coming on. His movement between the Welsh lines caused confusion, as defenders struggled to track him. The composed finish for Norway’s second goal showed serious maturity and calm. We also saw him get another shot away, which was bravely blocked. From our perspective, his cameo felt like a glimpse of a future regular starter.

Patrick Berg - 6.5: Berg came on to stabilise midfield, and he largely did that job. He sat deeper than Aasgaard, screening the back four diligently. His passing stayed simple, prioritising control over risk. We noticed one late foul that invited unnecessary pressure, but otherwise he was secure. Overall he helped Norway see out the contest without drama.

Manager

S. Solbakken - 7.5: From our perspective, Solbakken got his game plan spot on. Norway controlled key zones and limited Wales’ transitional threat. His timing with the double substitution felt bold yet perfectly judged. Bringing on Schjelderup and Berg gave fresh energy and balance. We also noticed how compact Norway remained even after going 2-0 up. It looked like a well-drilled team executing a very clear idea.

Wales Player Ratings vs Norway

Goalkeeper

Karl Darlow - 6: Darlow’s night felt frustrating rather than disastrous. He conceded twice, yet neither goal was an obvious goalkeeping error. His handling on crosses was mostly safe, with a couple of strong punches. However, his kicking was inconsistent and often surrendered possession cheaply. We sensed a bit of anxiety whenever he was pressed on the ball. From our perspective, he needed more protection from those in front of him.

Defenders

Neco Williams - 6.5: Williams showed his usual energy up and down the flank. He pushed high to support attacks, even getting a shot away from distance. Defensively he was busy, making several tackles and interceptions before injury struck. We noticed he looked in some discomfort before eventually going off. His absence clearly disrupted Wales’ balance on the right. Overall, he worked hard but couldn’t fully contain Norway’s wide threat.

Ben Davies - 6: As captain, Davies tried to organise the back line vocally. He made several important clearances, especially in the first half when Norway pressed from corners. However, we felt he struggled once Nusa and Schjelderup attacked the spaces around him. His long passing was mixed, with a few hopeful balls going straight to Norway. From our perspective, he looked more reactive than proactive throughout.

Joe Rodon - 6.5: Rodon started strongly, winning early headers and keeping Haaland relatively quiet. His clearances from crosses showed courage and timing. Still, he conceded several corners under pressure, and Norway eventually punished Wales from set-pieces. On the ball, his passing was neat, rarely forcing anything risky. We noticed some frustration in his body language after the second goal. It felt like he was firefighting more than leading the line.

Jay Dasilva - 6: Dasilva had a mixed evening on the left. Going forward he offered decent support and delivered one good cross for Johnson’s chance. Defensively, he conceded a couple of dangerous free kicks and corners. We felt he struggled a bit when isolated against Nusa’s dribbling. His passing otherwise stayed crisp and safe. Overall, he worked honestly but never fully convinced as a defensive stopper.

Midfielders

Ethan Ampadu - 7: From our perspective, Ampadu was Wales’ best outfield performer. He broke up countless Norway attacks with smart positioning and tough tackles. His yellow card early on didn’t stop him competing strongly in duels. On the ball he switched play intelligently, using his long passing to relieve pressure. We saw him constantly barking instructions, trying to keep the team compact. Despite the defeat, his individual level remained high throughout.

Liam Cullen - 6.5: Cullen’s role was subtle but important between the lines. He linked midfield and attack, recycling possession with a high completion rate. Defensively he worked back diligently, even making some interceptions and clearances. However, we rarely saw him in truly dangerous shooting positions. From our perspective he played within himself, neat yet slightly too cautious. His withdrawal felt more tactical than performance-related.

Brennan Johnson - 6.5: Johnson looked like Wales’ main spark in bursts. His early cross for Harry Wilson’s chance showed his quality on the flank. He completed a couple of sharp dribbles that unsettled Norway’s defence. Yet his finishing lacked precision, with a big second-half chance drifting wide. We noticed his defensive tracking was sometimes a step late. Overall, he threatened but never fully stamped his authority on the game.

Daniel James - 6.5: James’ pace always gives defenders nightmares, and we saw that again here. He found space on the break several times and forced Selvik into a strong save before half-time. However, his final shots often lacked accuracy, with two efforts flying off target. His defensive effort, tracking back and pressing, remained commendable. From our perspective he gave energy but not quite enough composure.

Brennan Johnson (advanced role) - 6: Later in the game, Johnson pushed even higher and took on more attacking responsibility. This tweak gave Wales extra width but left them slightly exposed in transitions. We noticed a couple of promising runs that fizzled out due to poor decisions. At that stage, fatigue seemed to creep in for him. Still, his willingness to carry the ball forward never dipped.

Forwards

Harry Wilson - 7: Wilson was, in our view, Wales’ most creative outlet. He created early chances for both James and himself with clever movement and passing. His set-piece delivery also caused issues, especially from wide free kicks. Defensively he tracked back more than some might expect, contributing tackles and clearances. A lack of support around him limited his influence late on. Overall, his 7 feels justified given his consistent threat.

Lewis Koumas - 6: Koumas worked hard but found this a tough learning experience. He dropped deep to receive, yet rarely turned to hurt Norway’s defence. We noticed his hold-up play improved as the game settled, but duels were often lost. His passing was safe and accurate, though not especially progressive. From our perspective he lacked a real moment to hang his performance on.

Substitutes

Mark Harris - 6.5: Harris immediately injected urgency after coming on. His diagonal run and shot forced a good save from Selvik. We liked his willingness to attack space behind the Norwegian defence. However, as Norway tightened up, his influence faded gradually. Overall he did as much as could reasonably be expected from the bench.

Rubin Colwill - 6: Colwill tried to drift into pockets and link play. We saw a couple of neat touches and combinations in tight areas. Yet he struggled to receive the ball in truly dangerous zones. Norway’s compact shape denied him the space he craves. From our perspective, he needed more time and possession to really shine.

Connor Roberts - 6: Thrown on after Williams’ injury, Roberts had to adjust quickly. He defended his flank solidly enough, though he rarely ventured forward. One or two rushed clearances betrayed a bit of rustiness. Still, he helped limit further damage as Norway controlled the closing stages. It was a steady rather than standout cameo.

David Brooks - 6.5: Brooks came on and immediately looked sharp between the lines. His shot that was blocked inside the box could easily have changed the momentum. We noticed his quick one-twos and willingness to receive under pressure. Unfortunately, Wales’ attacks remained too sporadic to fully showcase his creativity. From our perspective he deserves more minutes in this Nations League campaign.

Manager

C. Bellamy - 6: This felt like a tough tactical evening for Bellamy. His initial plan to press and break quickly actually worked in spells. However, once Norway settled, Wales struggled to keep the ball or sustain pressure. We felt his changes around the 70-minute mark brought some energy but came slightly late. The side looked disjointed after the second goal, with gaps appearing in midfield. From our perspective, he is still searching for the right balance between aggression and control.