Defending champions Spain secured their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after edging past the Netherlands on penalties.

image via – @SEFutbol / X

The UEFA Nations League quarterfinals delivered a thrilling night of football on March 23, as France, Portugal, Spain, and Germany booked their places in the semifinals. Both France and Portugal came from behind in stunning fashion to overturn first-leg deficits. Meanwhile, defending champions Spain and Germany powered through with composed performances.

Let’s take a look at how the teams fared in the Nations League second-leg matches on Sunday evening.

Spain vs Netherlands (2-2) (Agg 5-5) – Spain win 5-4 on pens

Spain secured their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after edging past the Netherlands on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw in Valencia. It was a rollercoaster contest, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice for Spain in normal time, while Memphis Depay and debutant Ian Maatsen kept the Dutch in the game. The match went into extra time after Maatsen’s equaliser. Lamine Yamal briefly restored Spain’s lead in the extra time with a brilliant solo goal, only for Xavi Simons to level again from the penalty spot.

In the shootout, Yamal and Noa Lang missed their spot-kicks before Unai Simon made a crucial save from Donyell Malen, allowing Pedri to calmly convert the winning penalty and send Spain through. The win extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 18 games and sets up a high-profile semifinal clash with France, as Luis de la Fuente’s side continue their quest to defend their Nations League crown.

Also read: Spain Men’s Football Fixture: What Are the Upcoming Games for Spain National Football Team?

France vs Croatia (2-0) (Agg 2-2) France win 5-4 on pens

France completed a sensational comeback to knock out Croatia and reach the semi-finals, overcoming a 2-0 first-leg deficit with a dramatic penalty shootout win in Paris. After a goalless first half, Michael Olise started the comeback with a stunning free-kick in the 52nd minute before Ousmane Dembele made it 2-0 late in the second half to level the tie. France then dominated in the extra time and created numerous chances. Kylian Mbappe had three chances to win the match for France but the Real Madrid striker was repeatedly denied by Croatia goalkeeer Livakovic, sending the tie to penalties.

Also Read: Kylian Mbappe’s salary: How much does Kylian Mbappé earn per week in LaLiga?

In the shootout, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerged as the hero, saving two Croatian penalties, including the decisive stop from Josip Stanisic, before Dayot Upamecano calmly slotted home the winning penalty. It was a deserved result for Didier Deschamps’ side, who will now face Spain in the semi-finals in June. The win also places France into World Cup Qualifying Group D, while Croatia will join Group L.

Portugal vs Denmark (5-2) (Agg 5-3)

Portugal advanced to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after a thrilling 5-3 extra-time win over Denmark. Cristiano Ronaldo scored and missed a penalty in a dramatic encounter. The tie was level at 3-3 on aggregate after 90 minutes, with goals from Ronaldo, Francisco Trincao and an own goal from Joachim Andersen for Portugal, while Denmark responded through Rasmus Kristensen and Christian Eriksen. Ronaldo had his early penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel but later made amends by scoring from close range in the second half.

Trincao struck just seconds into the extra time before Goncalo Ramos added a fifth late on to seal a deserved win for Portugal. Before the game, Bernardo Silva was honored for earning his 100th cap, becoming only the eighth player to reach the milestone for Portugal. With the victory, Roberto Martinez’s side will now face Germany in the semi-finals.

Germany vs Italy (3-3) (Agg 5-4)

Germany booked their spot in the semi-finals after edging out Italy 5-4 on aggregate in another dramatic match. After a 2-1 win in the first leg at the San Siro, Julian Nagelsmann’s side made the most of Italy’s defensive errors in the return fixture. Joshua Kimmich opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Jamal Musiala capitalized on a bizarre moment from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was caught far off his line during a quickly-taken corner. Kimmich then provided a third goal contribution with a pinpoint cross that Tim Kleindienst headed home, giving Germany a 5-1 aggregate lead by halftime.

Italy fought back in the second half, with Moise Kean scoring twice and Giacomo Raspadori converting a late penalty to make it 5-4 overall, but it wasn’t enough to force extra time. Germany’s first-half dominance was enough to send them through to their first-ever Nations League semi-final, where they will face Portugal in June.

Playoffs Results:

League A/B play-offs

Hungary 0-3 Turkey (agg: 1-6)
Belgium 3-0 Ukraine (agg: 4-3)
Serbia 2-0 Austria (agg: 3-1)
Scotland 0-3 Greece (agg: 1-3)

Iceland 1-3 Kosovo (agg: 2-5)
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria (agg: 4-2)
Georgia 6-1 Armenia (agg: 9-1)
Slovenia 1-0 Slovakia, aet (agg: 1-0)