UEFA Nations League Semi-finalists Confirmed After Thrilling Quarter-final Clashes.
The UEFA Nations League quarter-finals delivered exhilarating encounters, with Germany, Portugal, France, and Spain securing their places in the semi-finals. While Germany sealed their victory in regular time against Italy, the remaining three ties—Portugal vs. Denmark, France vs. Croatia, and Spain vs. the Netherlands—all required extra time, with the latter two decided by penalty shootouts.
The semi-finals are now set to feature mouth-watering clashes, as Germany will face Portugal, while 2021 finalists France and Spain will battle for a spot in the final.
Portugal Edge Past Denmark in Dramatic Fashion
Denmark entered the second leg with a first-leg advantage, but Portugal came out firing at the Estádio José Alvalade. Cristiano Ronaldo had an early opportunity to put his side ahead but missed from the penalty spot. However, the veteran forward redeemed himself in the 72nd minute, delicately lifting a rebounded Bruno Fernandes effort over Kasper Schmeichel to give Portugal a 2-1 lead, levelling the aggregate score at 2-2.
Christian Eriksen swiftly restored Denmark’s aggregate advantage with a 76th-minute equaliser, but Portugal refused to bow out. Former Barcelona winger Francisco Trincão turned the game on its head with a late equaliser to force extra time before adding another in overtime to put Portugal ahead on aggregate. Gonçalo Ramos then sealed a 4-2 victory, sending Roberto Martínez’s men into the semi-finals.
Spain Triumph Over the Netherlands in Penalty Thriller
A clash between two nations renowned for their attractive football lived up to expectations. After a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands, the second leg in Valencia ended 3-3 after extra time, forcing a tense penalty shootout.
Both sides converted their first three attempts before Noa Lang missed for the Dutch. Spain’s Lamine Yamal failed to capitalise, missing his side’s fourth attempt. The decisive moment arrived in the sixth round, as Barcelona’s Pedri converted after Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen had missed, sealing Spain’s place in the final four.
France Overcome Croatia in a Gritty Battle
Croatia stunned France with a 2-0 victory in the first leg, led by the evergreen Luka Modrić. However, Les Bleus mounted a remarkable comeback in the return fixture, winning 2-0 to level the aggregate score at 2-2.
Extra time failed to separate the two sides, leading to a penalty shootout. It proved a nervy affair, with both teams missing a combined five penalties. In the end, France held their nerve, missing one fewer than their opponents to book their spot in the semi-finals.
Germany Hold Off Italy in High-scoring Affair
Unlike the other quarter-finals, Germany’s tie with Italy was decided in regular time, but it was no less dramatic. After securing a 2-1 comeback win in the first leg, Germany seemed to have wrapped up the tie in the second leg by racing into a 3-0 lead before half-time.
However, Italy fought back with a spirited second-half performance. Moise Kean’s brace and a late Giacomo Raspadori penalty saw the Azzurri draw level on the night at 3-3, but they ultimately fell short, with Germany’s first-leg advantage proving decisive.
Semi-final Showdowns Await
With the quarter-finals producing unforgettable moments, the stage is now set for two enthralling semi-finals. Germany will take on Portugal, while France and Spain—finalists in the last edition—will renew their rivalry for a place in the final.
Football fans can expect yet another round of thrilling encounters as the UEFA Nations League edges closer to its climax.
