
Matchday two of the UEFA Nations League takes place from Sunday, September 27th to Tuesday, September 29th.
The opening night of Matchday one was headlined by Netherlands against Germany, where Jurgen Klopp came within seconds of marking his first match in charge of his country with a signature victory. Die Mannschaft looked set to leave Amsterdam with all three points, only for one of Klopp’s former Liverpool players, Cody Gakpo, to equalise for the Oranje in stoppage time.
But the evening’s most entertaining contest arguably came elsewhere, as Scandinavian rivals Norway and Denmark produced a five-goal thriller in Oslo. Erling Haaland began his Nations League campaign with a brace as the hosts claimed a 3-2 victory, continuing the attacking form that carried them through an impressive World Cup run during the summer.
Defending champions Portugal also made a winning start, although they were made to work for their 1-0 success against Wales in Lisbon. Joao Felix’s first-half effort ultimately separated the sides, but Wales created opportunities of their own and should take some encouragement from the performance despite leaving empty-handed.
There is little time for any of those teams to reflect, with the second set of fixtures beginning on Sunday. Denmark will look to respond when they host Wales, while Xavi’s second match as Netherlands boss takes him to Serbia for the first-ever meeting between the nations.
Klopp’s first home assignment with Germany comes against Greece, while Norway welcome Portugal for a mouth-watering encounter in Oslo. Much of the attention will inevitably centre on the meeting between Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers from different generations.
Football tipster Ben Smith has picked out five BetMGM selections from the upcoming Nations League programme and combined them into a 25/1 accumulator.
The scoreline did not tell the full story of Wales’ 1-0 defeat to Portugal on Thursday. Craig Bellamy’s side managed only five attempts, but three were classed as big chances. Brennan Johnson struck the woodwork, while Lewis Koumas saw an effort cleared off the line in a performance that left Bellamy “ridiculously proud”.
Denmark, meanwhile, looked structurally vulnerable as they conceded three times against Norway. They may return to winning ways on home soil, but Wales showed enough attacking threat in Lisbon to suggest they can make this competitive. Both teams to score looks the value selection.
I tipped Gakpo to score or assist against Germany and he rewarded that support by netting the stoppage-time equaliser after another influential performance for the Netherlands.
He registered two shots and created two chances, continuing the form that has produced two goals and four assists for Liverpool this term.
His international record now stands at eight goals and five assists across his last 13 appearances. Gakpo remains a reliable threat whether starting from the left or drifting into central areas, offering clear routes to both goals and assists.
With the Netherlands expected to control possession and create more opportunities against Serbia, his price to record another goal contribution looks generous.
Norway have not lost in Oslo since March 2024, winning 11 and drawing three of their 14 matches. Both teams have scored in each of their last nine internationals, highlighting their attacking reliability but also explaining the appeal of keeping the draw onside.
Portugal controlled periods against Wales without looking secure, and could have easily surrendered their advantage late in that contest. Haaland, with nine goals in his last six for club and country, is far more likely to punish similar openings.
There were enough encouraging signs from Klopp’s first game in charge of Germany to support them on his home debut.
Greece arrive in good nick after beginning their campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory in Serbia, and they have generally proved difficult to beat convincingly, with none of their defeats under Ivan Jovanovic producing more than four goals.
Germany should have enough quality to break them down and secure their first win under Klopp, but this is unlikely to become completely one-sided. Greece’s organisation makes a controlled home triumph more likely than a high-scoring rout.
England have generally taken care of the opponents they were expected to beat under Thomas Tuchel, even if their performances against stronger nations have left more room for debate.
Czechia were among the least convincing teams at the World Cup and appear short of the quality required to trouble England here.
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