Ronaldo's goal ruled out by VAR as Portugal edge Wales in Nations League opener

Joao Felix’s curling effort from outside the box gave Portugal a 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, opening Group D of the UEFA Nations League with the first competitive meeting between the two nations since the Euro 2016 semi-final.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the centre of attention throughout but endured a frustrating evening. He appeared to have equalised when he slotted past Danny Ward in the second half, only for VAR to rule the effort offside to the fury of both Ronaldo and the home crowd. He was substituted for Ruben Neves shortly after the hour mark, departing without adding to his goal tally and serenaded by travelling Wales supporters throughout.

Wales had chances to level late on but could not convert, leaving Portugal with a perfect three points from their opening fixture.

In Group B, Germany led the Netherlands 1-0 at the Amsterdam Arena after Felix Nmecha struck in the 32nd minute, but the game ended 1-1 after Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo equalised deep into stoppage time in the 92nd minute. The match was not without cost for either side: Arsenal’s Kai Havertz was forced off following a heavy challenge from Quinten Timber, while Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey also departed with a hamstring injury, handing both club sides fitness concerns ahead of the coming weeks.

Also in Group B, Greece produced a dramatic comeback to beat Serbia 2-1. Andrija Zivkovic had given Serbia the lead inside four minutes, but Arsenal’s Christos Tzolis equalised in the 74th minute before Anastasios Douvikas completed the turnaround with a 95th-minute winner.

In Group D’s other fixture, Norway defeated Denmark 3-2 in a high-scoring encounter. Fulham’s Oscar Bobb opened the scoring before Erling Haaland made it 2-0 just four minutes later. Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard pulled one back for Denmark in the 25th minute, with Rasmus Hojlund equalising before Norway ultimately secured the win.