NEW DELHI, OCT 5 (IANS): Goncalo Ramos scored a 79th-minute winner as Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal overcame spirited Norway 2-1 to seal their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Kristoffer Ajer put the visitors ahead in spectacular fashion via a sumptuous half-volley, but Portugal levelled just two minutes later when Joao Cancelo powered home in style.
The hosts then edged in front late on as Goncalo Ramos added the finish to Joso Felix’s clever lay-off, and the two-time Nations League champions held on to extend their winning Group A4 start despite having Francisco Conceicao dismissed for a second bookable offence in the closing stages. Elsewhere, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee played pivotal roles as Denmark and the Netherlands also picked up valuable victories.
Hojlund’s composed penalty secured Denmark’s second win of the campaign and extended their unbeaten run against Wales to five matches. Wales started brightly, controlling possession and threatening through Brennan Johnson and Lewis Koumas, but Denmark grew into the game, with Gustav Isaksen and Oliver Provstgaard going close before half-time.
Danny Ward then produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny Hojlund and Isaksen, before his misplaced pass led to the spot kick, with Højlund making no mistake to score his third goal in his last four Nations League matches.
The Netherlands remain unbeaten under Xavi Hernandez after Joshua Zirkzee’s goal gave them a 2-1 win over Serbia in Eindhoven.
The Netherlands dominated the opening half-hour and went ahead when Teun Koopmeiners’ free-kick flashed through a ruck of bodies and in. Mihajlo Cvetkovic’s header ensured that the Oranje have both scored and conceded in all of their fixtures so far, before Zirkzee settled the game from close range with 19 minutes remaining to leave his side with two wins and two draws in the section.
Germany held to goalless draw with Greece
Germany were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Greece in Thessaloniki in their UEFA Nations League clash, ending the international break on a disappointing note. The result leaves Germany third in the group with five points from four matches, while Greece remain unbeaten on eight points, level with the Netherlands.
Greece threatened early when Georgios Masouras headed goalward in the second minute, but goalkeeper Jonas Urbig made an excellent save. Germany gradually took control of the game and created the majority of the chances. Florian Wirtz, David Raum and Scherhant were heavily involved in attack, with Tzolakis making an important save from Raum’s powerful effort.
Germany thought they had taken the lead in the 32nd minute when Jonathan Burkardt found the net, but the goal was disallowed for handball in the build-up. Scherhant then came close before halftime, while Burkardt narrowly missed connecting with another dangerous opportunity, leaving the score level at the break despite Germany’s dominance. The second half followed a similar pattern as Germany controlled possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Greek defence. Klopp introduced several substitutes, including Said El Mala and Nick Woltemade, to add energy to the attack. However, Greece successfully disrupted Germany’s rhythm with physical defending and compact organisation.
Germany continued to press for a breakthrough, but their finishing let them down. Greece also posed occasional threats on the counterattack, with Masouras missing another headed chance late in the match. Further substitutions failed to alter the outcome as both teams were unable to find the decisive goal.
Despite registering far more attempts than their opponents, Germany lacked the cutting edge needed to convert their superiority into victory. Greece’s resolute defensive display ensured they earned a valuable point and extended their impressive run against Germany during the international window.