Bernardo Silva’s tackle on Martin Odegaard became the defining flashpoint of Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway, as the pair carried their club rivalry into international football.
The match had been billed as a contest between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland, but attention instead centred on the midfield duel between Portugal’s Silva and Norway captain Odegaard.
Silva was shown making a late challenge after Odegaard had played the ball away, catching the Arsenal midfielder on the back of the heel with his left leg. The tackle appeared to be deliberate, although no further details about any disciplinary action were given.
Odegaard condemns Bernardo Silva tackle
Odegaard criticised the incident after the final whistle, accusing Silva of having “completely lost his head” and saying challenges of that nature “don’t belong on a football pitch”.
“It’s a head fog from him, he just kicks me down long after I’ve played the ball away,” Odegaard told TV2.
“I don’t understand what he’s doing. It does not belong on a football pitch. It’s a shame that people do that.”
Silva was later approached by cameras as he left the dressing room through the media mixed zone. Asked about the incident, the Portugal midfielder replied: “That’s football my friend.”
The exchange underlined the intensity of the contest between the two number 10s, whose rivalry continued beyond the final whistle despite Portugal securing victory.
