Defending champions Portugal booked the first place in the Nations League quarter-finals at League A level after beating Norway 2-1 on Sunday for a second time. In Group B, the Netherlands moved top by defeating Serbia by the same score, while Germany’s calculations became more complicated after a goalless draw away to Greece.
Portugal secure qualification with fourth consecutive win
Portugal continued their perfect start under new manager Jorge Jesus, recording their fourth consecutive group-stage victory. They began their campaign by beating Wales 1-0, then defeated Norway away before overcoming Denmark 4-2 on the road despite the absence of their star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal secured qualification with two group-stage rounds remaining, also benefiting from Denmark’s 1-0 win over Wales. Rasmus Højlund scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 75th minute, taking Denmark to 6 points in second place, with Wales and Norway each on 3 points.
The first half of the Norway-Portugal match ended 1-1. Christopher Ajer put the hosts ahead with a long-range shot in the 36th minute, but João Cancelo quickly equalised for the visitors just two minutes later. Portugal had to wait until the 79th minute to score the winner through Gonçalo Ramos, who benefited from a pass by João Félix.
The goal earned Portugal their fourth win in the group and sent them into the quarter-finals for the fifth time in five appearances in the competition. Norway suffered their second defeat by Portugal within a week, extending their failure to beat their opponents since their only victory in 13 meetings between the two teams.
Germany draw weakens quarter-final hopes
That victory came in September 2010, when the teams met in qualifying for Euro 2012. In Group B, Germany stumbled again with a goalless draw away to Greece in a match in which they failed to perform at the expected level. The draw took Germany to 5 points after four matches, earned from one win and two draws, leaving them third and making their task in the race to reach the next round more difficult.
The Netherlands lead the group with 8 points, ahead of second-placed Greece on goal difference, while Serbia remain bottom without a point. Germany now need to win their remaining matches against Serbia and the Netherlands to strengthen their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.
The Netherlands win the key match to move clear at the top
Germany’s match against Greece saw a goal scored by Burkardt in the 34th minute ruled out. The referee made the decision after consulting the video assistant referee, which showed a foul at the start of the move that led to the goal. In the other group match, the Netherlands recorded their second victory under new manager Xavi Hernández by beating Serbia 2-1.
Teun Koopmeiners opened the scoring for the Netherlands in the 32nd minute before Mihailo Svetković equalised for Serbia three minutes later. Joshua Zirkzee secured victory for the Netherlands by scoring the second goal in the 72nd minute, taking the team to 8 points and sole possession of first place.
The Netherlands had drawn 2-2 with Germany in the opening round, then beaten Serbia 2-1 in the second round before drawing 2-2 with Greece in the previous round.
