XtraTime Web Desk: The UEFA Nations Cup has started with some glittering matches as the football fans had a delight to watch.
Ryan Giggs outlined his belief that Wales can be a match for any team in the world after delivering a swashbuckling and ruthless display to secure a first victory over the Republic of Ireland in 26 years.
Prior to last night Wales had only scored twice in their last seven meetings with Ireland, but they hit four goals here, three of which came in the first half, to get their Nations League campaign off to an emphatic start. Joe Allen’s pass allowed Tom Lawrence to strike first before Gareth Bale made it 10 goals in his last nine appearances for club and country with a stunning strike on 18 minutes.Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts added to the onslaught before Shaun Williams grabbed a goal back for the visitors.
Germany walked out to a heart-shaped display of flags waving in the stands and, by the time they came off, perhaps a little bit of the old love had found its way back. They finished this match on top against the world champions, who had barely been troubled for three-quarters of it, and would have won had it not been for a series of excellent saves from the debutant goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. Yet there is little cause to go overboard, either, after a largely stodgy affair that provided nothing like the kind of entertainment Uefa’s suits will have sought from a Nations League opener.
Portugal defender Pepe celebrated his 100th cap by heading in the equaliser to give his side a 1-1 draw against World Cup runners-up Croatia in a friendly on Thursday.
Croatia took the lead in the 18th minute when forward Ivan Perisic, one of five members of their starting lineup who played in the World Cup final against France, fired home a loose ball after it ricocheted around the Portugal defence.
Brazilian-born Pepe, handed the captaincy for the match, levelled 14 minutes later with a thumping header from Pizzi’s cross.