Portugal wins despite tired Ronaldo, Klopp sees Germany cling to Netherlands
Portugal won its match against Wales (1‑0) despite a largely ineffective Cristiano Ronaldo, while Germany, led by Jürgen Klopp, had to settle for a draw against Xavi's Netherlands on the opening day of the Nations League.
A Portugal that perseveres without its icon
After the post‑World Cup manager change, Roberto Martinez's successor kept continuity by starting the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldo, forty‑one years old, tried to get close to a thousand goals in all competitions, but none of his shots found the net.
João Félix, Ronaldo’s teammate at Al‑Nassr, scored the only goal in the twenty‑second minute with a low drive from about twenty metres, thus delivering the win to Portugal.
Ronaldo created numerous chances: his left‑foot shot was saved in the sixteenth minute, a volley missed in the thirty‑seventh, then an attempt in the fiftieth was ruled out by VAR for offside, before he was substituted for Gonçalo Ramos.
Germany at the mercy of the Oranje
The Netherlands and Germany ended the match at one‑one, the game being settled by an equaliser from Cody Gakpo in second‑half injury time, after a decisive pass from Ruben van Bommel.
Nations League start: Portugal without a goal from Ronaldo, Haaland's brace
Virgil van Dijk had initially given the lead to the Dutch, but his goal was cancelled after VAR intervention. Felix Nmecha then opened the scoring for Germany in the thirty‑second minute.
Karim Adeyemi nearly doubled the lead, but his shot missed the frame in the thirty‑eighth minute.
What this contrast reveals
Portugal, despite a sub‑par Ronaldo, shows that continuity and the contribution of youngsters like Félix can be enough to win. Germany, under Klopp’s guidance, still needs to adjust its play to avoid relying on a single scorer.
Com João Félix's strike, Portugal start Nations League with win
Both teams continue their campaign in Norway and Denmark, before Portugal meets Erling Haaland again on October fourth in Porto.