Haaland shines, Tadic returns: Nations League in full swing

While the Nations League kicked off across Europe, Oslo was in the spotlight: Norway overwhelmed Denmark 3‑2, helped by two goals from Erling Haaland, while the Netherlands prepared for the upcoming clash in the final showdown with Germany on Sunday.

In Oslo, Norway delivered a brilliant Scandinavian match against Denmark, taking a 2‑0 lead after just 18 minutes. Goals from Oscar Bobb and Erling Haaland provided the early advantage. Denmark responded within ten minutes with an equaliser and, after the break, equalised again with a strike from Rasmus Højlund. In the 74th minute, Haaland added his second goal of the evening, sealing the win.

Serbian comeback and Tadic’s return

Dusan Tadic made his comeback for Serbia after more than two years of absence, immediately taking the captain’s armband and becoming crucial just four minutes later. On his cue, Andrija Zivkovic found the opening goal for the Serbian side. Arsenal striker Christos Tzolis provided the equaliser in the 74th minute. In injury time, Anastasios Douvikas secured the 2‑1 winner, giving Serbia a disappointing dress rehearsal ahead of the clash with the Netherlands on Sunday.

Portugal’s debut under Jorge Jesus

In Lisbon, Jorge Jesus debuted as Portugal’s head coach, with Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup against Wales. After 22 minutes, João Félix opened the scoring from a cross by Nuno Mendes.

Netherlands accuse Germany of lacking fair play

Ronaldo appeared to double the score in the 59th minute, but the VAR disallowed the goal for offside. Portugal held onto the lead and finished 1‑0, giving the defending champions three points at the start of the new edition.

Other matches played included Andorra 1‑2 Malta, Liechtenstein 0‑2 Lithuania, Austria 3‑1 Israel and Kosovo 1‑0 Ireland. These games underline the broad advance of the Nations League across Europe.

With the spectacular Norwegian victory, the Serbian comeback and the Portuguese start, the Nations League sends a dynamic signal for the weeks ahead. The Netherlands now prepares for the crucial showdown with Germany, while Haaland’s two goals in Oslo further highlight the Scandinavian rivalry.