Portugal battle back to seal Nations League quarter-final spot as Netherlands cruise under Xavi

After fighting back to beat Norway 2-1, Portugal became the first team to secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals. A perfect record of 12 points from four matches is a resounding statement of their strength, despite internal squad changes.

Portugal secure early quarter-final spot despite Ronaldo absence

At the Estádio do Dragão, Portugal staged a dramatic comeback after Kristoffer Ajer opened the scoring for Norway in the 36th minute. Just two minutes later, João Cancelo struck the equaliser before Gonçalo Ramos sealed the 2-1 victory in the 79th minute. The hosts' task was made easier when Norway's star striker Erling Haaland was forced off with an injury.

The victory keeps Portugal top of Group A4 with a perfect 12 points, officially sealing their quarter-final spot with two games to spare. Notably, their attack has racked up six goals in the last two matches played without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Denmark edge past Wales thanks to Højlund penalty

Denmark secured a narrow 1-0 away win against Wales. The turning point came in the 75th minute when striker Rasmus Højlund converted from the penalty spot, punishing a mistake by Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward.

The result consolidates Denmark's second place in Group A4 with six points, while Wales slip to third with just three points.

Netherlands flying high under Xavi Hernández

The Netherlands maintained their unbeaten run under new manager Xavi Hernández with a narrow 2-1 victory over Serbia at the Philips Stadion. Teun Koopmeiners opened the scoring for the hosts before Mihajlo Cvetkovic equalised for Serbia in the first half.

In the second half, Joshua Zirkzee struck the decisive winner to secure all three points for the Oranje. This victory lifts the Netherlands to joint-top of Group A2 with eight points from four matches.

Germany held by Greece as VAR chalks off goal

The marquee Group A2 clash between Greece and Germany ended in a goalless stalemate. The biggest talking point came in the 33rd minute when VAR ruled out Jonathan Burkardt's strike for Germany, penalising Tom Bischof for a handball in the build-up.

The draw keeps Greece level at the top of Group A2 with the Netherlands on eight points, while Germany remain third with just five points from four games.

Author's Verdict

Portugal have officially booked their early quarter-final spot in Group A4, while the Netherlands and Greece continue to share top spot in Group A2, leaving Germany facing an uphill battle.

Do you think Portugal can go all the way in this year's Nations League in the absence of Ronaldo?