Portugal outclasses Switzerland, essential factor: Cristiano Ronaldo, who can convert two goals. For Norway, Erling Haaland closes the sack against Sweden. And FC Barcelona super talent Gavi sets a record against the Czech Republic.
Led by an outstanding Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s footballers have outclassed Switzerland in the Nations League. The ex-European champions also won 4-0 (3-0) against the Swiss in Lisbon thanks to a brace from Ronaldo. In front of his mother in the stands, the 37-year-old Manchester United striker scored in the 35th and 39th minutes to make it 3-0 at the break.
Previously, William Carvalho (15) put the 2019 Nations League winner in the lead after goalkeeper Gregor Kobel from Borussia Dortmund could only bounce off a free-kick from Ronaldo. João Cancelo (68′) made it 4-0. The success saw Portugal top the table in Group 2 of League A after beating Spain 1-1 at the start. The Swiss, with four Bundesliga professionals in the starting line-up, are still without a point.
The Czech Republic is tied for second and, despite leading twice, only managed to win 2-2 (1-1) against Spain in Prague and defeated Switzerland 2-1 on the first day of the game. Jakub Pesek (4′) and Jan Kuchta (66′) put the hosts in front, Gavi (45′) and Iñigo Martínez (90′) equalized. Gavi, the super talent of FC Barcelona, ??became the youngest goalscorer in the Seleccion at 17 years and 304 days, undercutting the mark of his club-mate Ansu Fati from 2020 by seven days.
Match winner in the Scandinavia duel between Sweden and Norway was once again Erling Haaland. The Dortmunder first converted a penalty kick in Solna (20th minute), and in the 69th minute he also scored the second goal to make Norway 2-1 (1-0). Anthony Elanga’s (90.2) goal came too late for the Swedes.
In the second game of the evening in group B4, World Cup participants Serbia won 4-1 (1-1) against Slovenia. Captain Aleksandar Mitrovic (24′), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (56′) and former Frankfurt player Luka Jovic (85′) each scored with a header from close range. Ex-Hertha player Nemanja Radonjic made the final score (90.2). Full-back Petar Stojanovic was successful for Slovenia with a nice chip (30th). Norway, who meet Slovenia on Thursday, took the lead in the group with six points. Sweden and Serbia, who play each other on Thursday, follow in second and third place with three points.