Late goals mark Nations League openers as Haaland scores twice

The 2026-27 UEFA Nations League opened Thursday with eight matches across three divisions, headlined by a Norway win driven by an Erling Haaland brace and a late Netherlands equalizer against Germany.

Germany's forward #23 Younes Ebnoutalib (L) fights for the ball with Netherlands' defender #04 Virgil van Dijk during their UEFA Nations League match at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sept. 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Netherlands and Germany share points

The Netherlands and Germany drew 1-1 at the Johan Cruijff Arena, in a match marking the international managerial debuts of Xavi Hernandez for the Netherlands and Jurgen Klopp for Germany. Germany took the lead in the 32nd minute through Felix Nmecha.

The Netherlands had an earlier goal by Virgil van Dijk, but VAR disallowed it for interference on the German goalkeeper. Cody Gakpo equalized for the Netherlands in second-half stoppage time.

In the same group, Greece came from behind to beat Serbia 1-2 in Belgrade, with Christos Tzolis and Tasos Douvikas scoring in the second half, the winner arriving in stoppage time.

Norway players celebrate during their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway, Sept. 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Haaland brace lifts Norway past Denmark

Norway defeated Denmark 3-2 at home in Oslo. Oscar Bobb opened the scoring in the 14th minute, and Haaland doubled the lead four minutes later

Denmark responded through Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Hojlund to level the score, before Haaland's second goal in the 74th minute proved decisive. Norway finished the match with 10 men after a second-half red card.

In the same group, Portugal beat Wales 1-0 in Lisbon on a goal by Joao Felix in the 22nd minute. Cristiano Ronaldo had a second-half goal disallowed by VAR and did not score from any of his attempts.

Greece players celebrate during their UEFA Nations League match against Serbia in Belgrade, Serbia, Sept. 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Fenerbahce forward Muriqi decides Kosovo win

Austria beat Israel 3-1 in League B Group 3, with Israel reduced to 10 men in the second half after a red card following an equalizing goal.

In the same group, Kosovo beat the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in Pristina on an 83rd-minute goal from captain Vedat Muriqi, who plays for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig.

Portugal players celebrate during their UEFA Nations League match against Wales at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal, Sept. 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Results:

League A
Group 2: Netherlands 1-1 Germany; Serbia 1-2 Greece
Group 4: Portugal 1-0 Wales; Norway 3-2 Denmark

League B
Group 3: Austria 3-1 Israel; Kosovo 1-0 Republic of Ireland

League D
Group 1: Andorra 1-2 Malta
Group 2: Liechtenstein 0-2 Lithuania

The opening round concludes with matches played today and tomorrow.

September 25, 2026 10:10 AM GMT+03:00