Portugal, Spain, Germany, and France have secured their spots in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after a thrilling set of quarter-final clashes. Cristiano Ronaldo and Francisco Trincão led Portugal past Denmark, while Spain edged out the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Germany survived a late Italian comeback, and France overturned a two-goal deficit to eliminate Croatia. With the semi-finals set, Europe’s top teams are now one step closer to Nations League glory.
Table of Contents
Portugal’s Late Surge Seals Semi-Final Spot
Francisco Trincão emerged as Portugal’s hero, scoring twice in extra time, while Cristiano Ronaldo also found the net as Portugal overcame Denmark 5-2 in the second leg, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory. This thrilling win propels the 2019 Nations League champions into the semi-finals, where they will face Germany.
Denmark entered the contest with a slender 1-0 lead, courtesy of Rasmus Højlund’s first-leg goal in Copenhagen. Portugal looked set to equalize early on when Ronaldo won a penalty, only to see his effort denied. However, the breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Fulham’s Joachim Andersen inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Denmark responded swiftly, with Rasmus Kristensen’s precise header leveling the tie in the 56th minute. Ronaldo, making amends for his missed penalty, restored Portugal’s lead with a tight-angled finish, only for Christian Eriksen to once again put Denmark ahead on aggregate in the 76th minute.
With time running out, Trincão made his mark, scoring in the 86th minute to force extra time. The 24-year-old winger struck again in the 91st minute, putting Portugal ahead before Gonçalo Ramos sealed the emphatic win.
Spain Edge the Netherlands in Dramatic Shootout
At Estadio de Mestalla, Spain and the Netherlands delivered a pulsating contest that ended 3-3 on the night, leaving the tie level at 5-5 on aggregate. A dramatic penalty shootout ensued, with Spain emerging victorious, 5-4, to set up a semi-final showdown against France.
The hosts gained an early advantage when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot in the eighth minute after Jan Paul van Hecke fouled him. Memphis Depay responded for the Netherlands in the second half with a penalty of his own, restoring parity.
Spain reclaimed the lead in the 67th minute through an Oyarzabal header, but Ian Maatsen’s fierce strike in the 79th minute forced extra time. Lamine Yamal’s left-footed rocket in the 103rd minute gave Spain the advantage once again, only for Xavi Simons to level the tie four minutes into the second period from the penalty spot after Unai Simón’s foul.
In the shootout, both teams missed their fourth penalties, but Unai Simón produced a decisive save to deny Donyell Malen, allowing Pedri to convert the winner.
Germany Survive Italy’s Fightback to Advance
Germany survived a late Italian comeback to reach the last four, progressing with a 5-4 aggregate win despite squandering a three-goal lead in a dramatic 3-3 second-leg draw in Dortmund.
The Germans dominated early proceedings, unleashing 16 first-half shots. Joshua Kimmich opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 30th minute before Jamal Musiala finished off a quickly taken Kimmich corner to double the lead six minutes later. Tim Kleindienst extended the advantage just before halftime.
Italy responded four minutes into the second half as Moise Kean capitalized on a German defensive error. Kean struck again in the 69th minute, outmuscling Jonathan Tah to bring Italy within one goal of parity.
Germany looked shaken, and in stoppage time, Giacomo Raspadori converted a penalty to tie the match on the night. However, Italy could not find the elusive fourth goal needed to force extra time, sending Germany through.
France Overcome Croatia in Another Shootout
France completed a stunning comeback against Croatia, overturning a two-goal deficit to win 5-4 on penalties after securing a 2-0 victory in the second leg at Stade de France.
Needing to overturn a first-leg loss in Split, France dominated, registering 22 shots while preventing Croatia from managing a single effort on target. Michael Olise broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, and Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead in the 80th minute, forcing extra time.
With neither side finding a breakthrough, the match proceeded to penalties. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan played a decisive role, making two crucial saves before Dayot Upamecano stepped up to convert the winning spot-kick.
Nations League Semifinals and Finals Fixtures
The semi-finals are set, with four European heavyweights vying for the title:
- Germany vs Portugal – June 4 (Munich Football Arena)
- Spain vs France – June 5 (Stuttgart Arena)
The third-place playoff and final will take place on June 8, with the final hosted at Munich Football Arena.
With Portugal, Germany, Spain, and France securing their spots, the stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the UEFA Nations League.
Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo Enters Guinness World Records for Historic International Wins
FAQs
Who were the standout players in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals?
Francisco Trincão and Cristiano Ronaldo starred for Portugal, while Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala were key for Germany.
How did Portugal secure their spot in the semi-finals?
Portugal defeated Denmark 5-2 after extra time, with Trincão scoring twice and Ronaldo also finding the net.
Which teams reached the UEFA Nations League semi-finals?
Portugal, Spain, Germany, and France advanced after winning their respective quarter-final ties.How did Spain overcome the Netherlands in the quarter-finals?
How did Spain overcome the Netherlands in the quarter-finals?
Spain won 5-4 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the second leg, with Pedri converting the decisive spot-kick.
When and where will the UEFA Nations League semi-finals take place?
The semi-finals are scheduled for June 4 and 5, with Germany facing Portugal in Munich and Spain taking on France in Stuttgart.
