Portugal, the reigning champions, became the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals of League A in the UEFA Nations League after securing a 2-1 victory over Norway. Meanwhile, Germany were held to a goalless draw by Greece in Group 2, a result that felt like a defeat. The Netherlands topped the group after defeating Serbia 2-1 on Sunday.
Portugal began their campaign in Group 4 under new coach Jorge Jesus with a 1-0 win over Wales, then inflicted Norway's first home defeat since a 2-1 friendly loss to the Czech Republic on March 22, with a 2-1 victory last Sunday.
Then, Portugal, nicknamed the "Seleção das Quinas" (Brazil of Europe), triumphed 4-2 away against Denmark without their star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who had left the training camp after not playing against Norway in Oslo. This victory, their fourth in the tournament, secured their place in the quarterfinals for the fifth time in five appearances since the start of the continental championship.
Portugal had already clinched their qualification two matches before the end of the tournament thanks to Denmark's 1-0 win over Wales, courtesy of a Rasmus Hjølund penalty (75'). Denmark finished second in their group with six points, while Wales and Norway each had three.
The first half ended 1-1 after two impressive long-range goals from Kristoffer Ajer (36') and João Cancelo (38'). Gonçalo Ramos then sealed the victory late in the second half with a goal assisted by João Félix (79').
With their second defeat in seven days against Portugal, Norway remain winless against the Portuguese side since their sole victory in 13 encounters, a win that came in September 2010 during the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Erling Haaland and his teammates suffered their third defeat in the group on Sunday, having also lost away to Wales (1-2) in the previous round.
If Portugal continues on this trajectory, they appear poised to retain the title they won in 2025 for the second time, following their first triumph in the inaugural 2019 edition, where they defeated Spain on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time.
Germany's qualification hopes falter -
In their first match at the Tompas Stadium in Thessaloniki, the German national team, hoping to turn over a new leaf under coach Jürgen Klopp, suffered another setback after a solitary 2-1 victory against Serbia in the previous round. The result and performance were lackluster, complicating their qualification hopes and leaving them needing wins against both Serbia and the Netherlands in their next two matches.
Out of four matches played in this window, the four-time world champions have accumulated five points from one win and two draws, placing them third in the group behind the Netherlands, who lead with eight points, ahead of Greece on goal difference. Serbia sits in fourth and last place with no points.
After initially announcing a 44-man squad divided into two groups, Klopp's squad appeared to prove more capable with a 2-0 victory over Serbia in the third round, following two matches in which the Germans failed to secure a win, including a 1-0 loss to Greece in Munich and a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
The home side started strongly, with Liverpool's left-back Kostas Tsimikas surging down the left flank before delivering a pinpoint cross that found captain Giorgos Masouras waiting. Masouras rose high to meet it with a powerful header, but goalkeeper Jonas Orbig was equal to the task, making a fine save (4).
A goal for Germany was disallowed when Burkadt rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net. However, the referee consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and ruled the goal out due to a foul in the build-up (34).
Werts tried to make his mark on the game, setting up Dere Sherhant, whose powerful right-footed shot from outside the box went just wide of the left post (43).
The visitors continued their search for the opening goal, with Sherhant sending in a dangerous cross that went just wide of the right post (65).
Greece responded with a header from captain Masouras following a dangerous cross, but it went over the bar (76).
In the other match, the Netherlands secured their second victory under their new Spanish coach, Xavi Hernandez, defeating Serbia 2-1 to take the lead in the group.
Ton Koopmeiners (32) and Joshua Zirkzee (72) scored for the Oranje, after Mihailo Cvetkovic had equalized for Serbia just before halftime (35).
The Netherlands had previously defeated Serbia by the same scoreline in the second round, and drew 2-2 with Germany in their opening match and then with Greece in the previous round.
0 Comments