Key Takeaways
- Portugal beat Norway 2-1 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Nations League.
- Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the Portugal squad by coach Jorge Jesus.
- Germany drew 0-0 with Greece, with a disallowed goal for Jonathan Burkardt.
Portugal secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League with a 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday. The result came despite Cristiano Ronaldo being left out of the squad by coach Jorge Jesus, who relegated the 41-year-old to the bench. Joao Cancelo’s powerful finish in the 50th minute equalised Kristoffer Ajer’s stunning opener, before Goncalo Ramos secured the win in the 86th minute.
In a match that saw Germany struggle to break through, Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by Greece in Thessaloniki. The German team had a goal disallowed in the first half, with Jonathan Burkardt’s effort ruled out. Despite the frustration, Germany’s record as new German boss now stands at one win, one draw, and one loss.
The Netherlands maintained their strong form in the Nations League, defeating Serbia 2-1 in Eindhoven. Joshua Zirkzee’s late winner came from a tap-in after Tijjani Reijnders’ cross, marking his second-half substitute appearance. The match also saw Virgil van Dijk reach 100 international caps.
In a match marked by political tensions, Israel and Ireland drew 1-1 in Backa Topola, Serbia. The Irish team wore black armbands to commemorate the victims of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, a gesture mirrored by the Israeli team. Troy Parrott put Ireland ahead from the penalty spot after 39 minutes, but Peretz equalised two minutes into the second half, sending the match into a stalemate.
The draw complicates Ireland’s qualification prospects, as they now lie third in Group 3 of League B behind Austria and Kosovo. Israel, with two points, remain at the bottom of their group.
Wales suffered another defeat, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring the only goal in a 75th-minute penalty against them.
Following the game, Jorge Jesus expressed his openness to re-inviting Cristiano Ronaldo to the national team, stating, 'If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team… we can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide.'
The Nations League continues to showcase the competitive spirit and political tensions that often accompany international football, with each match bringing its own unique challenges and narratives.
If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team… we can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide.
Jorge Jesus, Portugal national team coach
