It was a night of high tension and spectacular football in the Nations League quarter-finals. Spain, France, and Portugal have all secured their place in the semifinals, joining Germany in the hunt for the trophy.
In Dortmund, Spain and the Netherlands delivered a six-goal thriller. After a fast start with a penalty converted by Oyarzabal, Spain looked in control. The Dutch responded through a Depay spot kick, and the two sides traded goals again via Oyarzabal and Maatsen. In extra time, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal curled in a stunning strike before Xavi Simons equalized again. In the shootout, Unai Simon made the difference, while Pedri netted the decisive kick.
At the Stade de France, a composed French side turned around their first-leg deficit with goals from Michael Olise, who struck a brilliant free kick, and Ousmane Dembélé. The match went to extra time and penalties, where Maignan’s crucial save on Stanisic sent France through.
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In Lisbon, Portugal endured a rollercoaster night against Denmark. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty early, but his side led thanks to a Danish own goal. The Danes fought back to level twice, taking the match into extra time. There, Francisco Trincão netted twice and Gonçalo Ramos added a fifth as Portugal ran away with it.
The semifinal matchups are now set: Germany vs. Portugal and Spain vs. France promise two heavyweight battles in the final chapter of this Nations League edition.
