Haaland's brace powers Norway as Nations League leaves the Dutch level

In the Sports Football Nations League, the Ligue des Nations sees the Netherlands held to a 1‑1 draw by Germany on Thursday, the opening fixture of the League A group stage, while Norway overcame Denmark 3‑2 thanks to Erling Haaland's two goals, his 64th for the national side in 56 appearances.

Netherlands held by Germany

Virgil van Dijk believed his header from a corner had given Les Pays-Bas the lead, but referee Alejandro Hernandez ordered a VAR review and disallowed the goal after deeming Brian Brobbey had impeded the German keeper in the 12th minute. Felix Nmecha restored Germany's advantage in the 32nd minute, making it 0‑1. A chance for Karim Adeyemi to double the lead was missed when the Barcelona striker struck the post in the 38th minute.

Late in the match, Ruben van Bommel earned his first cap, the son of Belgium manager Mark van Bommel, and delivered a decisive assist to Cody Gakpo for the equaliser in stoppage time, recorded as the 90+2 minute goal.

The draw left the Netherlands in second place and Germany in third, each with a single point, while Serbia sit fourth. In the same group, Greece defeated Serbia 2‑1 in Belgrade, with goals from Christos Tzolis and Anastasios Douvikas after Andrija Zivkovic had given Serbia an early lead, propelling Greece to the top of group two with three points.

Controversial Nmecha strike fuels doubts over Xavi's debut for the Netherlands

Norway's Haaland double secures win

Norway surged ahead early, Oscar Bobb scoring in the 14th minute after a Martin Odegaard pass, and Haaland adding a second from a cross in the 18th minute. Denmark reduced the deficit with Mikkel Damsgaard's free‑kick in the 25th minute and equalised through Rasmus Hojlund's header later on. Haaland completed his brace in the 74th minute, sealing a 3‑2 victory and marking his 64th international goal.

Portugal edged Wales 1‑0, Joao Felix finding the net in the 22nd minute, leaving Norway and Portugal level on three points at the summit of group four, while Denmark and Wales remain without points in third and fourth place respectively.

Ruben van Bommel makes a glittering debut as Xavi Hernández faces his first test

The contrasting fortunes illustrate the Netherlands' struggle to convert chances under Xavi's new leadership, whereas Norway, propelled by Haaland's firepower, already claim top spot in their group.