Nations League starts with debutants in focus, Haaland decisive and more

Nations League starts with debutants in focus, Haaland decisive and more The 2026-2027 Nations League got underway this Thursday (24) packed with standout matches. Special attention went to the debuts of three coaches: Jorge Jesus, Klopp and Xavi with Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands, respectively. There was Cristiano Ronaldo trying to close in on his 1,000th goal, Haaland getting on the scoresheet, and more.  Portugal 1-0 Wales The first half from JJ's side was encouraging at the José Alvalade. They were completely dominant and kept pushing for a goal.  João Félix got it after being set up by Nuno Mendes (22'). 📸 PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA - AFP or licensors CR7 did try, but only had one real chance and hit it weakly. Portugal were not good in the second half, allowing the Welsh to grow into the game. But they lacked quality. And the win came before facing Norway away next Sunday (27).  Norway 3-2 Denmark Erling Haaland made all the difference (once again) for Norway. He scored twice in the tough clash against Denmark. He now has 64 goals in 57 matches for the Norwegian national team. Of those, 21 have come in 17 Nations League matches. 📸 Marius Nordnes / Nordnes Foto - 2026 Getty Images He now has more international goals than Ibra and Ronaldo, as both scored 62 times for Sweden and Brazil.  Oscar Bobb (14') and the City striker (18') opened up a solid lead. Denmark responded through Damsgaard (25') and Hojlund (60'). But Haaland secured the win in the 74th minute after Odegaard's second assist. Netherlands 1-1 Germany The first half was heated at the Johan Cruijff Arena. Van Dijk even celebrated in the 12th minute, but VAR ruled that Brobbey had interfered with Ter Stegen, leading to the goal being disallowed. Germany then got theirs amid controversy.  The same Brobbey picked up an injury, the game was not stopped, and Nmecha scored.  📸 Lars Baron - 2026 Getty Images There was a scuffle between the players before the goal was confirmed.  Brobbey had to be substituted, adding another unexpected blow, as Havertz had gone off five minutes earlier. Xavi's side took control in the second half. Ruben van Bommel - son of former midfielder Mark van Bommel - forced a fine save from Ter Stegen in the 88th minute.  He made the difference himself shortly after. He won the ball off Adeyemi - who had a poor game - and delivered a classy cross for Gakpo to finish (91').  And there was almost a comeback after Guus Til wasted a one-on-one with the goal.  Another "highlight" was a pitch invasion by a young fan who gave the security staff plenty to deal with.  📸 Lars Baron - 2026 Getty Images The next round will feature Serbia vs Netherlands and Germany vs Greece on Sunday (27).  Serbia 1-2 Greece Greece top Group A2 with their promising generation. Zivkovic put the home side ahead at the Marakana after just four minutes. 📸 PEDJA MILOSAVLJEVIC - AFP or licensors Tzolis, of Arsenal, equalized (74') and Douvikas, a Como player, completed the comeback (95').  This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.