Erling Haaland scored twice in Norway’s win over Denmark, while Portugal edged Wales and Germany drew with the Netherlands.
Erling Haaland scored twice Thursday to lead Norway to a 3-2 victory over Denmark in Oslo as the UEFA Nations League began.
Norway went ahead early through Oscar Bobb before Haaland made it 2-0 in the 18th minute. Denmark wiped out the two-goal deficit to tie the game at 2-2, but Haaland scored the decisive goal to close out the Group A4 opener.
Haaland now has 64 goals in 56 international appearances for Norway at age 26, surpassing the career scoring totals of Brazil’s Ronaldo and Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Norway head coach Stale Solbakken said Haaland’s natural scoring talent is something that can’t be taught.
Portugal beats Wales in Lisbon
In Lisbon, a deflected first-half strike from João Félix gave the hosts a 1-0 victory in the Portugal vs Wales match.
Cristiano Ronaldo started his 234th match for Portugal after new head coach Jorge Jesus selected him to lead the attack, calling the 41-year-old “a symbol of Portugal.” Ronaldo had considered retiring after Portugal lost to Spain in the round of 16 at the World Cup, but he chose to stay after discussions with the country’s president and Jesus. Ronaldo acknowledged Wednesday that critics wanted him out of the team, but said he can still score and is focused on the present.
During the second half, Ronaldo had a goal ruled out by VAR, and Jesus substituted him after the forward missed a clear chance. Ronaldo, who has 979 career goals, said he wants to reach 1,000 before ending his career. Portugal, which won the tournament in 2019 and 2025, next travels to Oslo to face Norway.
Klopp debuts with Germany draw
Thursday’s schedule also marked Jürgen Klopp’s debut as Germany manager in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Cody Gakpo equalized for the Dutch in the second minute of stoppage time, meeting a cross from Ruben van Bommel with a flying volley.
The action continues Friday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where Italy hosts Belgium in Nations League A. Roberto Mancini begins his second stint as Italy coach facing what he called a need to “win back” supporters after the team missed the 2026 World Cup. Belgium manager Mark van Bommel said his squad will line up in a 4-3-3 formation.
