Haaland drives Norway's Nations League start as Portugal launch

In Oslo, Norway opened their Nations League campaign with a dramatic 3‑2 victory over Denmark, thanks to Erling Haaland’s 63rd international goal. Across the same group, Portugal secured a 1‑0 win against Wales, keeping their hopes alive in the early fixtures.

Norway's comeback victory

Oscar Bobb gave the hosts the lead in the 14th minute before Erling Haaland doubled the advantage with his 63rd goal, recorded in his 56th cap, in the 18th minute, putting Norway two lengths in front. Denmark answered through Mikkel Damsgaard, who curled a direct free‑kick past the Norwegian defence in the 25th minute. Rasmus Höjlund restored parity at the 60th minute after a save by Norway’s goalkeeper Örjan Nyland, and Haaland completed his hat‑trick in the 74th minute to seal the win.

Portugal's steady win

João Félix opened the scoring for Portugal with a long‑range strike in the 22nd minute, giving the side a 1‑0 lead over Wales. Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his age, added a second goal after roughly an hour of play, before being caught offside and later substituted, ending his involvement after about 41 minutes on the pitch. The Portuguese victory remained secure even without Ronaldo’s further contribution.

Other group action

Jürgen Klopp’s debut as Germany’s national team manager, described as his “Debüt”, concluded with a point after a stalemate against the Netherlands.

In Linz, Israel’s Saïd Abu Farchi equalised in the 55th minute, then celebrated by ripping down a corner flag, an act that earned him a yellow card and forced his exit.

Austrian side capitalised late, with Philipp Mwene scoring in the 90th minute to make it 2‑1, followed shortly by Sasa Kalajdzic adding another goal.

Kosovo began their Nations League journey with a win over the Republic of Ireland, as Vedat Muriqi headed the decisive goal in the 83rd minute.