Joao Cancelo says his stunning goal for Portugal against Norway
on Sunday was pure “instinct” after adding another memorable strike to his collection.The Barcelona defender lashed home a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the area after a throw-in from Nuno Mendes in a 2-1 win for his side.
Speaking after the game, Cancelo was asked about his decision to go for goal.
“I was well positioned for Nuno’s throw-in, because I know Nuno has a very powerful throw. When I saw the ball hit the ground
for the first time, it was instinct, I looked at the goal and, thank God, it went well and it was a goal,” he told RTP.
Cancelo did pick up a yellow card in the match which will result in a one-match ban and a suspension for Portugal’s next game against Denmark in November.
The defender admitted that he was a big reason why he was taken off just after the hour mark.
“It affected me, and my substitution was partly because of that,” he added.
“I understood the manager’s decision to make the substitution. The most important thing about my goal was helping the team score after we conceded against Norway. That was the most important thing at that moment.”
Cancelo will now return to Barcelona and hope to start Saturday’s La Liga match against Getafe.
