A busy night of UEFA Nations League action saw four fixtures take center stage, headlined by Norway's home clash with Portugal, Germany's meeting with Greece, and a politically charged encounter between Israel and the Republic of Ireland.
In the most eye-catching team news of the evening, Portugal manager left out Cristiano Ronaldo entirely from his starting eleven for the trip to face Norway. Goncalo Ramos was handed the striker's role in Ronaldo's absence, while Joao Neves came into the side to replace an injured Bruno Fernandes. Portugal lined up with Diogo Costa in goal, a back four of Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes, and a midfield trio of Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto and Palhinha supporting Neves, Joao Felix and Ramos.
Norway, buoyed by the presence of Erling Haaland up front, fielded Nyland in goal behind a defense of Aursnes, Heggem, Ajer and Ryerson. Sander Berge, Martin Odegaard and Berg operated in midfield, with Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup completing the attacking lineup alongside Haaland.
Elsewhere, Germany hosted Greece in another significant clash. Joshua Kimmich captained the German side, which included Alexander Nubel in goal and a back four featuring Vagnoman, Jonathan Tah, Bisseck and Brown. Nmecha and Conte joined Kimmich in midfield, while Schade, Ebnoutalib and Adeyemi were tasked with providing attacking threat. Greece countered with Tzolakis in goal, a defense marshalled by Mavropanos and Retsos, and Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line as captain, supported by Konstantinos Karetsas, Tetteh and Anastasios Tzolis.
The fixture between Israel and Ireland carried significant weight beyond the pitch, having been the subject of considerable uncertainty in the buildup regarding whether it would take place at all. Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted not to participate in the match, explaining his decision in a statement posted to Instagram.
"Representing my country means everything to me. I have the utmost respect for every single one of my teammates, the manager, his staff, and the Irish people," Bazunu wrote. "However, I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly. I am a man of strong faith, and try my best to be a person of character and principle, therefore I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel."
He continued: "My decision is based purely on my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong. It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community, but against the atrocities in the region. There are a few times where you get a chance in life to stand up for something bigger, and I strongly believe that this is one of them."
With Bazunu absent, Caoimhin Kelleher started in goal for Ireland, behind a back line of Manning, Kitching, O'Shea, O'Brien and Abankwah. Josh Cullen's absence saw Jayson Molumby paired with Jack Coventry in midfield, while Robbie Brady's role went to a front three of Jack Moylan, Adam Idah and Troy Parrott. Israel started with Daniel Peretz in goal, featuring Mizrachi, Stoyanov, Shlomo and Revivo in defense, with Eylon Almog Peretz, Gloukh, Khalaili, Kanichowsky and Solomon completing the lineup alongside Turgeman.
Earlier fixtures across the continent had already produced notable results. Wales suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat away to Denmark, falling to a Ben Davies own goal before Gustav Isaksen added a second. The loss leaves Wales bottom of Group A4 without a point or a goal from their opening two matches, having also lost 1-0 to Portugal previously, and now facing a difficult fight against relegation.
Other completed results from earlier in the day included Lithuania drawing 1-1 with Azerbaijan, Austria defeating Kosovo 3-1, Gibraltar and Andorra playing out a goalless draw, and the Netherlands coming from behind to beat Serbia 2-1 in Xavi's first match in charge of the Dutch side. That victory was overshadowed somewhat by an early injury blow, with Cody Gakpo forced off after just 17 minutes.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.