Portugal shine, England and Germany stumble

by LEON SCHNEIDER
Special contributor
BERLIN, (CAJ News) – EUROPE’S international football calendar burst into life over the weekend, with the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League producing notable victories, surprise defeats and a packed midweek programme involving the continent’s leading national teams.

Greece delivered the biggest statement on Sunday, defeating Germany 1-0 in what UEFA described as a memorable victory.

Dimitris Kourbelis’ deflected strike secured Greece’s first-ever win over Germany, giving the visitors a significant early boost in League A.

Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, also maintained their winning start, beating Norway 2-1 in Oslo.

Gonçalo Ramos scored the decisive goal, adding another important result to Portugal’s title defence.

The Netherlands overcame Serbia 2-1, with Mexx Meerdink scoring both goals, while Austria defeated Kosovo 3-1.

The Republic of Ireland responded strongly after their opening defeat to Kosovo by beating Israel 3-0 through first-half goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan.

Earlier in the weekend, Spain defeated England 1-0 through Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal, repeating his decisive role against the English after his EURO 2024 final strike.

Croatia also began with a 2-1 victory over Czechia, with veteran Luka Modrić again influential.

France, Belgium and Portugal were among the other major sides to make winning starts on Matchday One.

France defeated Türkiye 1-0 through Kylian Mbappé, while Belgium beat Italy 2-0 in Rome. Portugal edged Wales 1-0 through João Félix.

The action continues on Monday, when Belgium face France in a heavyweight League A encounter and Türkiye host Italy. Northern Ireland meet Hungary, Sweden play Poland, Romania face Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Georgia take on Ukraine.

Armenia also meet Montenegro and Latvia face Cyprus.

Tuesday brings another major programme.

England travel to Czechia seeking a response after their defeat by Spain, while Spain host Croatia.

Scotland meet Switzerland, Slovenia face North Macedonia and several League C nations, including Finland, Albania, Slovakia and Kazakhstan, also take centre stage.

The intensity will continue into October. Germany face Serbia and Greece meet the Netherlands on 1 October, while France host Italy on 2 October.

England then travel to Croatia on 3 October, with Spain hosting Czechia the same day.

The extended Nations League window runs from 24 September to 6 October, giving European teams four competitive fixtures in quick succession.

– CAJ News