There have been solely three matches from League A of the UEFA Nations League on Friday evening, however all three despatched fairly seismic waves round Europe.
There have been important wins for the Netherlands and Denmark, whereas Ralf Rangnick made the proper begin to life as Austria boss after leaving Manchester United.
Here’s every thing that went down on the opening evening of the 2022/23 Nations League…
Austria put a robust Croatia aspect to the sword with an emphatic and shocking 3-0 win on the Stadion Gradski vrt.
Champions League winner Luka Modric began on the bench and the Vatreni actually might have used him sooner, with supervisor Zlatko Dalic ready till his aspect have been three objectives right down to throw him on.
Marko Arnautovic gave the guests the lead on the stroke of half-time towards the run of play with an excellent strike from 18 yards.
Things went from dangerous to worse for Croatia after the break when Austria hit them with a quick-fire double, with Michael Gregoritsch and Marcel Sabitzer securing three helpful factors for Rangnick’s males.
A brace from substitute Andreas Cornelius noticed Denmark come from behind to beat France.
Karim Benzema was having fun with himself again at Stade de France six days after his exploits there within the Champions League remaining and went near breaking the impasse on a number of events earlier than doing so after 51 minutes, linking up nicely with Christopher Nkunku and coolly slotting house previous Kasper Schmeichel.
But that was nearly as good because it obtained for France as Denmark got here roaring again and deservedly turned the sport round. A lofted ball excessive from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was volleyed in by Cornelius, who scored the winner with minutes remaining with a strong strike into the roof of Hugo Lloris’ internet.
Belgium gamers have been met with boos throughout their 4-1 thrashing by neighbours Netherlands.
An ominous evening started badly for Belgium after Romelu Lukaku was pressured off with damage simply 27 minutes into proceedings.
Louis van Gaal’s males took the lead 5 minutes earlier than the break when Steven Bergwijn’s piledriver discovered the underside nook.
Memphis Depay added a second simply after the interval earlier than Denzel Dumfries obtained in on the act and the gang on the Stade Roi Baudouin turned on the house gamers. Soon after, Barcelona ahead Memphis notched house the Oranje’s fourth.
Timothy Castagne had a comfort dominated out for offside with quarter-hour remaining, however Michy Batshuayi did handle to get on the scoresheet in stoppage time.