Five Nations League fixtures kicked off at 7.45pm on Sunday, with Wales and the Republic of Ireland both in action in what promises to be a busy evening across Europe's second international competition.

Wales v Denmark

Wales came into Sunday's home fixture with genuine momentum. Their 2-1 win over Norway on Thursday was their first victory of the group campaign, and they started brightly — Denmark skipper Pierre-Emile Højbjerg hobbled off with an injury inside the opening ten minutes, which will concern the visitors considerably.

Wales were finding joy down the left flank early on, with Daniel James repeatedly threatening. Ethan Ampadu had a long-range effort that came to nothing, and Mark Johnson met a James cross at the back post with a volley that didn't trouble the keeper — but the intent was clear. The men in red looked the better side early doors.

Context matters here: Denmark beat Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen last month (Ben Davies turning into his own net before Gustav Isaksen added a second), but Sunday's hosts showed they can compete after that Norway result. Historically, Denmark lead the head-to-head 8-4 across 12 meetings — and, perhaps unusually, the sides have never drawn.

Republic of Ireland v Israel — a fixture like no other

The other match involving a British Isles nation came in extraordinary circumstances. Ireland's rematch with Israel — just seven days after a 3-0 win in which all three goals came inside the first 25 minutes — was moved to Serbia and played behind closed doors for security and logistical reasons.

Troy Parrott started alongside Adam Idah, with Jack Moylan operating in the hole behind them. Parrott has been in fine form, scoring three times across Ireland's last two games: once against Israel in that first meeting, then twice against Australia. Ireland captain Dara O'Shea was absent — he missed out following the birth of his child.

The fixture has attracted attention beyond the pitch. A claim circulated that an Irish player directed a racial slur at an Israeli opponent during last week's game; the FAI are actually investigating whether it was the other way around — specifically, whether monkey chants were aimed at Adam Idah by Israeli supporters. Irish international correspondent have firmly pushed back on the original allegation, describing it as without foundation.

The wider picture

Elsewhere on Sunday evening, Portugal — who lead Group A4 on nine points after winning all three games — faced Norway, with Erling Haaland (three group goals so far) the obvious threat for the visitors. Greece, who famously beat Germany 1-0 in the reverse fixture (their first win over Germany in 11 meetings), looked to defend top spot in their group, while Netherlands faced a Serbia side that has lost all three group games so far.

Germany arrived for the Greece game on the back of a 2-0 win over Serbia — their first victory under Jürgen Klopp — and will have been eyeing a chance to close the gap at the top.

What to watch for

  • Wales's left flank — James was causing problems early and Denmark's injury to Højbjerg disrupted their defensive shape.
  • Parrott's form — three goals in two games makes him one of the tournament's standout performers heading into Sunday's rematch.
  • Haaland's scoring run — three goals in the group phase already, and Portugal's defence will need to be at its best.

The market will be watching how these results affect qualification permutations as the group phase heads into its latter stages. Sunday's games could shift the picture significantly across multiple leagues.

Frequently asked

Why is the Republic of Ireland v Israel Nations League game being played behind closed doors?
The match was moved to Serbia and played behind closed doors for security and logistical reasons, just one week after Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in their first meeting of the group stage.
What is Wales's Nations League record against Denmark?
Denmark lead the all-time head-to-head 8-4 across 12 meetings. Notably, the two sides have never drawn — every game has had a winner.
Who is top scorer for Ireland in this Nations League campaign?
Troy Parrott has been in the best form, scoring three goals across Ireland's last two games — once against Israel and twice against Australia.