Portugal reaches Nations League quarter-finals without Ronaldo, Netherlands wins against Serbia

Without Cristiano Ronaldo, defending champions Portugal also won their fourth game in the Nations League and reached the quarter-finals early. Like a week ago, coach Jorge Jesus' team beat Norway 2-1 (1-1), Ronaldo's successor Gonçalo Ramos once again scored the winning goal (79th). Francisco Conceição received a yellow-red card shortly before the end (86th).

In the first half, central defender Kristoffer Ajer (36') gave the guests the lead with a fantastic half-volley, and João Cancelo (38') countered shortly afterwards with another dream goal from the edge of the penalty area.

Portugal's record player and goalscorer Ronaldo left the national team during the week after he was not used in the first leg against Norway.

Netherlands narrowly win against Serbia

The Netherlands won again in the German group with 2:1 (1:1) against Serbia and took over the lead of the table. New Spanish coach Xavi Hernández's team benefited from Greece and Germany sharing points.

Former Bundesliga professional Joshua Zirkzee scored the winning goal (72nd) after a fine combination. In the first half, Teun Koopmeiners (31st) gave the Netherlands the lead with a direct free kick that Virgil van Dijk narrowly missed in his 100th international match. Mihajlo Cvetkovic (35th) equalized for the Serbs with a header.

See F.A.Z. articles more often in your search results

F.A.Z. prefer on Google

Shortly after the break, Cvetkovic and Koopmeiners had another good chance with another free kick from the edge of the penalty area. A fast-paced game then developed with chances on both sides before Zirkzee scored decisively. In the end, the Netherlands brought victory over time.

No winner between Ireland and Israel

The controversial and politically charged second duel between Ireland and Israel presented similar images to last Sunday. Under once again unpleasant conditions, the two teams drew 1-1 (1-0) on a neutral pitch in Backa Topola, Serbia.

As was the case a week ago when the Irish won 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, the players from both teams refrained from the usual gestures. The Irish bowed their heads to the ground as the Israeli anthem was played; there were no shakehands or the passing of a pennant. The game took place in front of almost empty stands.

Israel's team wore black armbands in memory of the victims of the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. Since the start of the Israeli military offensive in October 2023, the Republic of Ireland has been one of the European countries that have particularly clearly expressed their support for the Palestinians. Because of Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attack, there had been calls for a boycott in Ireland.

The Irish lead through Troy Parrott (39th, penalty kick) was equalized by Dor Peretz (47th).

Austria draw in Kosovo

Thanks to a late goal from Joker Christoph Lang, Austria scored 1-1 (0-0) in Kosovo and defended their lead in their Nations League group. Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani had given Kosovo the lead (70'). Lang equalized for coach Ralf Rangnick's team in the final phase (85th).