Nations League Matchday 1: Ronaldo, Mbappé and Haaland Shine

The Nations League Matchday 1 delivered goals, close games and big talking points across Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo started Portugal’s title defence with a win. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé scored for France. It was Zinédine Zidane’s first match as manager. Erling Haaland also scored twice as Norway beat Denmark.

Spain then beat England 3-2 at Wembley. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner against England again. He had also scored the winner in the Euro 2024 final.

Nations League Matchday 1: Spain Beat England Again at Wembley

Spain produced one of the biggest results of Matchday 1. They beat England 3-2 at Wembley.

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring inside two minutes. However, England soon turned the game around. Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane put England 2-1 ahead before half-time.

After the break, Kane missed a penalty. Spain then found an equaliser through substitute Álex Baena.

The decisive moment came in the 74th minute. Baena then set up Mikel Oyarzabal. The forward scored Spain’s third goal.

Oyarzabal had also scored the winner against England in the Euro 2024 final. Therefore, his latest goal gave Spain another win over England at Wembley.

Teams compete during the opening matches of the UEFA Nations League.

Nations League Matchday 1: Ronaldo Starts as Portugal Begin Title Defence

Defending champions Portugal opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Wales.

João Félix scored the only goal in the 22nd minute. He received a pass from Nuno Mendes. He then finished from outside the box.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo started for Portugal. However, he could not add to his international goal tally.

Wales came close to an equaliser. Brennan Johnson, though, hit the crossbar.

As a result, Portugal held on to begin their title defence with three points.

Nations League Matchday 1: Haaland Scores Twice for Norway

Erling Haaland continued his strong international form. Norway beat Denmark 3-2 in Oslo.

Oscar Bobb opened the scoring. Haaland then doubled Norway’s lead.

However, Denmark fought back through Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Højlund. The game then looked set for a draw.

Haaland struck again in the 74th minute. He finished from a short-corner routine. As a result, Norway took all three points.

Haaland’s brace made him one of the main talking points from the opening matchday.

Gakpo Rescues Netherlands Against Germany

The Netherlands came from behind to draw 1-1 with Germany in Amsterdam.

Germany took the lead through Felix Nmecha. The visitors then looked set to start Jürgen Klopp’s reign with a win.

However, Cody Gakpo changed the game. The Netherlands forward scored an added-time equaliser. He rescued a point for Xavi Hernández’s side.

Therefore, both Klopp and Xavi began their first competitive games as national-team managers without a defeat.

Belgium Shock Italy in Rome

Belgium recorded a 2-0 win over Italy in Rome.

Mika Godts opened the scoring in the 21st minute. He received a pass from Kevin De Bruyne.

After the break, Italy improved. However, they could not find an equaliser.

Substitute Dodi Lukébakio then sealed the win. He scored with a long-range finish.

As a result, Mark van Bommel enjoyed a winning start as Belgium manager. Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini began his second spell as Italy coach with a defeat.

Mbappé Scores as Zidane Begins With France Win

Zinédine Zidane began his France tenure with a 1-0 win over Türkiye.

Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute. He received a pass from Michael Olise.

The goal was Mbappé’s 64th for France. However, his night ended early after he suffered an injury during the scoring move.

France held on for the win. Therefore, Zidane got a winning start in his first competitive match as national-team manager.

More Matchday 1 Results

Several other teams also made strong starts across the Nations League.

Sweden beat Romania 2-1. Viktor Gyökeres scored the winning goal.

Meanwhile, Greece beat Serbia 2-1. Ukraine also defeated Hungary 1-0.

On Saturday, Croatia beat Czechia 2-1. Switzerland then defeated North Macedonia 3-0. Finland also recorded a 7-0 win over San Marino.

Finally, England and Spain produced the last League A thriller of Matchday 1. Spain won 3-2 at Wembley.

Nations League Matchday 1: Key Results

The opening matchday has produced several major storylines. Portugal began their title defence with a win. Meanwhile, Haaland scored twice for Norway. Mbappé also gave Zidane a winning start with France.

Spain’s victory over England was another major highlight. At the same time, Germany and the Netherlands shared the points after Gakpo’s late equaliser.

With Matchday 2 now approaching, the focus will turn to the early winners. They will now look to continue their strong starts.

By: Rishi Agre, Shruti Prabhune
Photo: Niti Ladha