Published : 25 Sep 2026, 12:36 PM
Updated : 25 Sep 2026, 12:36 PM
Cody Gakpo denied Jurgen Klopp a winning start as Germany coach with a stoppage-time equaliser for the Netherlands, while Erling Haaland struck twice as Norway edged Denmark on the opening night of the UEFA Nations League.
Defending champions Portugal also began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales on Thursday, while Greece came from behind to snatch a late 2-1 win away to Serbia.
Much of the attention was on Amsterdam, where two new eras began as Klopp took charge of Germany for the first time and Xavi Hernandez made his debut as Netherlands coach.
Germany went ahead in the first half when Felix Nmecha forced the ball home from close range after Karim Adeyemi's effort was blocked.
Both sides had chances thereafter, with Adeyemi missing an opportunity to extend Germany's lead and Dutch substitute Mexx Meerdink also passing up a presentable opening.
Germany appeared set to hold on until Gakpo, who played under Klopp at Liverpool, struck on the volley in stoppage time to make it 1-1 and rescue a point for the Netherlands.
Haaland Double Settles Thriller
There was more goalmouth action in Oslo, where Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Scandinavian rivals Denmark 3-2.
Oscar Bobb opened the scoring with a curling effort before Haaland doubled Norway's advantage, running onto Antonio Nusa's pass and sliding the ball home.
Denmark hit back through a Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick before Rasmus Hojlund headed the visitors level on the hour.
But Haaland had the final word.
The Manchester City striker struck again in the 74th minute following a short-corner routine to restore Norway's lead and secure all three points.
Felix Gets Holders Off the Mark
Portugal began the defence of their Nations League title with a 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon as Jorge Jesus made a winning start as coach.
Joao Felix scored the only goal in the 22nd minute, collecting Nuno Mendes' pass before firing from outside the box, with the shot taking a deflection off Ben Davies on its way in.
Portugal dominated for long spells but could not add to their lead. Cristiano Ronaldo missed several chances and had a second-half effort ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Wales nearly snatched an equaliser late on when Brennan Johnson's deft effort struck the crossbar before Ruben Dias blocked the follow-up.
Greece Strike at the Death
Greece produced the night's other late twist, coming from behind to beat Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade.
Andrija Zivkovic put Serbia ahead after four minutes after being set up by Dusan Tadic, who had returned from international retirement.
Vangelis Pavlidis hit the post as Greece responded, before Christos Tzolis drew the visitors level in the 74th minute from a tight angle.
Serbia's Sasa Lukic then struck the post, but Greece grabbed the winner at the other end when substitute Tasos Douvikas headed in Kostas Tsimikas' cross at the death.
The result gave Greece a winning start in Group A2, while Norway and Portugal both opened Group A4 with three points.
