Troy Parrott’s jaw-dropping solo goal for Republic of Ireland against Austria is already lighting up the Nations League, hitting the back of the net in the 13th minute and getting instantly labeled a “goal of the season contender.” It was one of three early strikes as the 7.45pm BST kick-offs brought some serious heat across Europe tonight.
Ireland’s Parrott Pulls a Rabbit Out of the Hat
Seriously, you need to see this goal. Parrott channeled his inner legend, morphing into a mix of Robbie Keane and Diego Maradona with an absolutely sensational solo effort. It started with some route one stuff, Kelleher hoofing it up to Moylan, who flicked it on. Then Parrott, completely isolated about 45 yards from goal, just took off. He turned his first man, easily nutmegging Lienhart, leaving Austria scrambling. Did he look for support? No way! He chopped back on the outside around Affengruber and finished it low under the advancing Austrian keeper Wiegele. What a goal! Pure magic, genuinely outstanding stuff.
Early Fireworks in Denmark and Wales
The action didn’t stop there. Portugal grabbed an early lead against Denmark thanks to Cancelo in the 13th minute. Moments after Neves hit the post, Denmark tried to clear, but Cancelo, the Barcelona full-back, linked up with Ramos for a perfect one-two. He completely split the Denmark defense and dinked the ball deliciously over Hermansen. Over in Cardiff, Norway also broke the deadlock against Wales, with Oscar Bobb firing home in the 11th minute. That goal came off a textbook play from Odegaard, who played a one-two with Bobb, found a pocket of space, and delivered an inch-perfect through ball. Bobb took a nice first touch and slotted it inside the near post.
Other Matches Heating Up
Even without goals, some games were bringing the intensity. Germany and Serbia were still locked at 0-0 early on, but Pavlovic came inches from giving Germany the lead just eight minutes in. From a set piece, the ball broke kindly to the Bayern man on the edge of the area, and he curled it just wide of Petrovic’s left-hand post. Klopp, the Germany manager, was a picture of calm on the sidelines, as you’d imagine. In the Denmark-Portugal match, Bruno Fernandes was wearing the armband, not Ruben Dias or Ronaldo. Portugal was rocking their away white and green kits.
The early goals have set a high bar for excitement tonight. Who knows what other incredible moments are still to come in these Nations League clashes!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Guardian.
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