Nations League: Ferguson heads Ireland winner as Tonali strike rocks Belgium

Substitute Evan Ferguson's header earned the Republic of Ireland a priceless 1-0 friendly victory over Norway in Oslo on Thursday.

Both sides had chances in a game that was more competitive and entertaining than the scoreline suggests, but it was Ferguson's second-half goal that proved the difference.

The Brighton forward, who made his international debut in March, met Jason Knight's cross with a powerful header that gave Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland no chance.

Ferguson's goal was his first for Ireland and it came at a crucial time for Stephen Kenny's side, who are bottom of their Nations League group and facing relegation to League B.

The victory was Ireland's first since November 2021 and it will give Kenny and his players a much-needed boost ahead of their Nations League clash with Scotland on Saturday.

Tonali strike rocks Belgium

Sandro Tonali scored a stunning goal to give Italy a 1-0 win over Belgium in the Nations League on Thursday.

The AC Milan midfielder curled a superb effort into the top corner from the edge of the area to secure victory for Roberto Mancini's side.

The win moves Italy top of Group A1, level on points with the Netherlands but with a better head-to-head record.

Nations League round-up

In other Nations League games on Thursday, Spain beat Switzerland 1-0, Portugal drew 0-0 with the Czech Republic, and Poland beat Wales 2-1.

In Group A2, Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Slovenia 3-0, while Sweden drew 1-1 with Serbia.

In Group B1, Austria beat Croatia 3-1, while Denmark drew 2-2 with France.

In Group B2, Finland beat Romania 1-0, while Bosnia and Herzegovina drew 1-1 with Montenegro.

In Group C1, Armenia beat Scotland 2-0, while Ukraine drew 1-1 with Ireland.

In Group C2, Greece beat Cyprus 3-0, while Kosovo drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland.