Norway captain Martin Odegaard expressed strong criticism of Portugal’s Bernardo Silva following a late challenge during their Nations League match in Oslo on Sunday. Odegaard was kicked from behind off the ball by Silva in second-half stoppage time, shortly after completing a pass. The incident occurred as Norway was attempting to recover from a 2-1 defeat to Portugal.

Odegaard said the tackle was a “senseless move” that “does not belong on a football pitch.” He described the challenge as a momentary lapse in judgment on Silva’s part, noting that the contact came long after he had passed the ball. The Arsenal midfielder appeared visibly angry after the incident, even swearing at Silva, who received a yellow card for the foul.

Odegaard was seen limping during the closing minutes of the match and admitted afterward that he sustained an ankle injury from the challenge. He expressed concern about the extent of the knock but remained hopeful it would improve over the following days. When asked about his verbal exchange with Silva after the tackle, Odegaard declined to reveal what was said.

Silva, speaking to reporters after the game, described the challenge in more understated terms, saying, “It’s football, my friend.” His brief remark appeared to downplay the severity of the foul, framing the incident as part of the game’s physical nature.

The clash highlighted tensions in a match that saw Portugal secure a narrow victory over Norway. Both players’ comments reflect contrasting attitudes toward the incident, with Odegaard condemning the challenge as reckless and Silva treating it as a routine part of competitive play. The outcome reignited discussions about player conduct and disciplinary standards in international football matches.