The UEFA Nations League quarter-final first-leg matches delivered high-intensity football, unexpected turns, and crucial goals. Here’s a breakdown of the action-packed encounters from the first leg.
Netherlands vs Spain (2-2) – Spain’s Late Equalizer Saves the Day
Reigning UEFA Nations League champions Spain had to dig deep to salvage a 2-2 draw against a spirited Netherlands side, who played the final minutes with ten men.
After a goalless first half, Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring for the Dutch just after the break with a well-taken strike. Spain responded quickly as Lamine Yamal’s pressing won possession, leading to Nico Williams spinning and finishing past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The Netherlands fought back as Jeremie Frimpong’s dangerous delivery allowed Cody Gakpo to finish clinically. Reijnders nearly doubled his tally, hitting the crossbar before eventually putting the home side ahead with a brilliant left-footed effort from the edge of the box.
Despite their numerical disadvantage after Jorrel Hato received a red card, the Dutch seemed poised to secure victory. However, Spain’s relentless pressure paid off in added time when Mikel Merino found the net, ensuring the contest remains finely balanced ahead of the second leg.
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Croatia vs France (2-0) – Croatia Seizes the Advantage
Croatia stunned France with a dominant 2-0 victory at Stadion Poljud, giving them a comfortable lead going into the return fixture. The experienced Ivan Perisic played a starring role, providing a goal and an assist in a historic win.
Croatia had an early opportunity when a handball by Ibrahima Konate led to a VAR-confirmed penalty. However, Andrej Kramaric’s attempt down the middle was saved by Mike Maignan’s outstretched leg. Shortly after, Perisic’s precise cross found Ante Budimir, whose header—though initially parried by Maignan—trickled into the net off the post.
Perisic then doubled Croatia’s lead with a composed finish, marking his 34th international goal. The hosts maintained control, limiting France’s attacking opportunities despite their higher expected goals (xG) tally of 1.56 compared to Croatia’s 1.43.
France managed 17 attempts, but only six were on target. Substitute Bradley Barcola had their best chance, but failed to convert, leaving Didier Deschamps’ men with an uphill battle in the second leg.
Italy vs Germany (1-2) – Germany Takes Command with Second-Half Comeback
Germany secured a crucial 2-1 away victory against Italy in Milan, overturning an early deficit to take control of their quarter-final clash.
Italy struck first when Giacomo Raspadori’s cross found Sandro Tonali, who curled in a first-time effort for his second goal in three Nations League matches. Despite Germany controlling possession, Italy posed the greater threat in the first half, forcing goalkeeper Oliver Baumann into vital saves against Tonali and Moise Kean.
Germany’s persistence paid off in the second half. Tim Kleindienst leveled the score with a well-placed header before Leon Goretzka completed the comeback, converting another header to put Germany ahead.
Baumann’s heroics between the posts ensured Germany held on to their lead, setting up an intriguing second-leg clash in Dortmund. Italy, despite their early dominance, must now regroup to overturn the deficit away from home.
Denmark vs Portugal (1-0) – Hojlund’s Late Strike Seals Denmark’s Win
Denmark earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal, courtesy of a late goal from substitute Rasmus Hojlund. The hosts displayed resilience throughout the match, overcoming an earlier setback when Christian Eriksen missed a penalty.
Denmark started strongly, pressing high and forcing Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa into an early mistake. The visitors also had their chances, with Kasper Schmeichel producing a stunning save to deny Pedro Neto.
In the 23rd minute, Denmark was awarded a penalty after a handball by Renato Veiga. However, Eriksen’s low effort was comfortably saved by Costa. Undeterred, Denmark continued their attacking momentum, with Gustav Isaksen and Mika Biereth testing the Portuguese defense.
The breakthrough came late in the game when Hojlund met Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross, guiding the ball past Costa. The narrow victory gives Denmark an advantage as they prepare for the second leg in Lisbon, where Portugal will aim to overturn the deficit.
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Looking Ahead
With all four quarter-final ties still open, the second legs promise more drama and high-stakes action. Spain will seek to capitalize on their late equalizer against the Netherlands, while France and Italy must overturn deficits against Croatia and Germany, respectively. Portugal, meanwhile, will need a strong performance at home to deny Denmark a historic semi-final berth.
Stay tuned for our coverage of the second-leg matches!
