Europe

BRUSSELS — Memphis Depay scored a double as the Netherlands ended 25 years without success against neighbors Belgium with a 4-1 thumping of their hosts in the Nations League in Brussels on Friday.

Steven Bergwijn and Denzel Dumfries netted the other two goals as the Dutch ended Belgium’s almost six-year unbeaten home record in a stark reversal for the team, who had topped the FIFA rankings for three years until being recently deposed.

BELGRADE - Striker Erling Haaland's superb first-half volley gave Norway a surprising 1-0 win away to Serbia as they got their Nations League Group B4 campaign underway on Thursday, but they needed goalkeeping heroics from Ørjan Nyland to secure the win.

The visitors took the lead in the 26th minute as Martin Ødegaard sliced open the defense with a beautiful pass to Marcus Pedersen who crossed for Haaland to deftly volley home from close range with the only shot on target in the first half.

Ukraine advanced in the UEFA World Cup playoffs on Wednesday at the expense of Scotland with a 3-1 victory. Ukraine looked comfortable for a majority of the game, but a late push from Scotland made for an exhilarating finish. This John McGinn miss vs. Ukraine could have changed everything.

Soccer, football, calcio, whatever you call it, it is one of the most uniting sports on the planet. That was as evident as ever on Wednesday before the World Cup qualifying game between Scotland and Ukraine. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, there was an extraordinary moment of solidarity before the game. Watch as Scotland fans sing Ukraine’s national anthem.

After an eight-year career with Real Madrid that included over 250 appearances, 100 goals and a preposterous haul of 16 trophies (including five Champions League crowns and three LaLiga titles), Gareth Bale has confirmed his departure from the Spanish capital following the expiration of his contract.