Portugal became the first team to advance to the Nations League knockout stage with a 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday. The Portuguese team demonstrated their strength without star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who was benched by coach Jorge Jesus and subsequently left the camp. Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal in the 86th minute, following Joao Cancelo's equalizing goal. Norway's Kristoffer Ajer had opened the scoring with a stunning long-range shot.
Coach Jorge Jesus expressed openness to allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team, but emphasized that the decision would have to come from the player himself. Jesus stated that he was prepared to discuss Ronaldo's potential return before the next team call-up. Ronaldo's absence was notable, but Portugal managed to secure the win without him. The team's performance suggests that they are a strong contender in the Nations League.
In another Nations League match, Jurgen Klopp's Germany were held to a goalless draw by Greece in Thessaloniki. Germany had a goal disallowed through Eintracht Frankfurt forward Jonathan Burkardt in the first half. The result means that Klopp's record as new German boss now stands at one loss, one win, and one draw. The German team's performance was resolute, but they struggled to break down the Greek defense.
The Netherlands secured a 2-1 win over Serbia, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring the decisive goal as a second-half substitute. The Manchester United forward tapped in Tijjani Reijnders' cross to move the Netherlands top of their Nations League group. The match also marked Virgil van Dijk's 100th international appearance. Netherlands coach Xavi praised his team's performance, remaining unbeaten after four games with two wins and two draws.
Israel and Ireland played out a 1-1 draw in a Nations League match, with Israel's players wearing black armbands to commemorate the victims of Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack. The Irish players had worn similar armbands in the previous match to protest the war in Gaza. The teams refused to shake hands before the match, and the Irish players bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem. The result complicates Ireland's qualification task in Group 3 of League B.
Wales suffered another loss, as Rasmus Hojlund scored a 75th-minute penalty to earn Denmark a 1-0 win in Cardiff. Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward made several saves but conceded the penalty when he fouled Denmark midfielder Gustav Isaksen. The win moves Denmark up the group table, while Wales' struggles continue. The match was a close affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.
The Nations League results have significant implications for the teams' qualification prospects. Portugal's advancement to the knockout stage is a notable achievement, while Germany's draw against Greece leaves them with work to do. The Netherlands' win over Serbia puts them in a strong position in their group, while Ireland's draw against Israel complicates their qualification task. The competition is heating up, with several teams vying for a spot in the knockout stage.
Key points
- Portugal advanced to the Nations League knockout stage with a 2-1 win over Norway.
- Germany were held to a goalless draw by Greece, with Jurgen Klopp's record as new German boss now standing at one loss, one win, and one draw.
- The Netherlands secured a 2-1 win over Serbia, moving top of their Nations League group.
