The Nations League returned on Thursday night with nine games, including Wales' Group D clash against Portugal in Lisbon. The newly extended international break means European teams will play up to four times over the next three weeks as they aim to gain an early advantage in their groups. England begin their campaign on Saturday when they host World Champions Spain.
Portugal Edge Wales in Lisbon
It was the first competitive meeting between the two nations since the Euro 2016 semi-final. Joao Felix was the difference between the sides at half-time, scoring from outside the box. Wales fans aimed an X-rated jibe at a frustrated Ronaldo, serenading him with "you're just a s*** Gareth Bale" after a tame effort at goal.
Ronaldo thought he had scored when he ran through to slot past Danny Ward in the second half, but a VAR check showed he was offside. He was replaced by Ruben Neves just after the hour mark. Wales then missed an open goal but were unable to find an equaliser.
Germany Hit by Injury Blows
In Group B, Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead in the 32nd minute, giving Jurgen Klopp the perfect start as Germany boss. But Arsenal were handed an injury worry as Kai Havertz left the field after a heavy challenge from Quinten Timber. Sunderland were also concerned as striker Brian Brobbey was forced off with a hamstring injury. Liverpool's Cody Gakpo equalised for the Netherlands in the 92nd minute.
Serbia took the lead through Andrija Zivkovic's fourth-minute goal, but Arsenal's Christos Tzolis equalised for Greece in the 74th minute. Anastasios Douvikas completed the turnaround with a 95th-minute winner.
Haaland Brace and Bizarre Red Card
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Denmark 3-2. Fulham's Oscar Bobb opened the scoring, with Haaland making it 2-0 four minutes later. Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard halved the deficit in the 25th minute, and former Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund equalised. Haaland regained Norway's lead in the second half. David Moller Wolfe was shown a red card in the fourth minute of added time after receiving a second yellow.
Haaland's goals were his 63rd and 64th in 56 international appearances, pushing him beyond Brazilian star Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the all-time international goalscorers rankings.
Austria Win and Other Results
Romano Schmid scored from the penalty spot just before halftime to give Austria the lead, but Sayed Abu Farchi drew level in the 55th minute. He was shown a second yellow for his celebration, leaving Israel with 10 men. Phillipp Mwene scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, with Sasa Kalajdzig making it 3-1 in added time.
Vedat Muriqi's 83rd-minute winner condemned Ireland to defeat in a game where they faced 23 shots compared to their three. Malta came from behind to beat Andorra 2-1, and Lithuania beat Liechtenstein 2-0.
