Klopp celebrates first Germany win as Portugal overcome Denmark

COPENHAGEN - Germany secured their first victory under coach Juergen Klopp with a convincing 2-0 Nations League win over Serbia, while Portugal maintained their perfect record with a 4-2 victory over Denmark despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Klopp made wholesale changes after Germany’s previous defeat by Greece, selecting a new starting XI and handing international debuts to goalkeeper Jonas Urbig and winger Derry Scherhant. Germany dominated possession and created sustained pressure before finally breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute.

Florian Wirtz set up Tom Bischof, who marked only his second international appearance with his first senior goal. Wirtz then doubled Germany’s advantage shortly after the hour mark with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area. “I am really happy. This performance must now be the baseline,” Klopp said after securing his first victory in his third match since returning to international management. Portugal, meanwhile, continued their impressive run in League A despite Ronaldo’s absence. Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Ramos twice put the visitors ahead in Copenhagen, but Denmark responded through Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Hojlund. Portugal regained control when Vitinha restored their lead in the 67th minute before Joao Felix added a fourth goal late on. The victory kept Portugal top of Group A4 with nine points from three matches.

The Netherlands fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Greece. Fotis Ioannidis and Georgios Masouras gave the hosts a commanding first-half lead, but Virgil van Dijk reduced the deficit before Tijjani Reijnders equalised in the 89th minute. Wales also claimed their first points of the campaign, defeating 10-man Norway 2-1 through goals from Dan James and Neco Williams.

In League B, Ireland were held to a 2-2 draw by Austria in Dublin. Troy Parrott scored twice for the hosts, while the match was briefly interrupted after tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch in protest at Ireland’s previous fixture against Israel. Ireland’s next home fixture against Israel will be played behind closed doors at a neutral venue in Serbia.