Nations League Quarter-Finals: France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain secure dramatic wins.

The Nations League quarter-finals delivered unforgettable drama, with heart-stopping moments, intense shootouts, and brilliant individual performances. The stakes were high as the teams battled not only for victory but also for a place in the semifinals. From penalty shootouts to stunning goals, here are the highlights from each of the four thrilling encounters.

France vs Croatia: A Nail-Biting Shootout Victory
Dayot Upamecano scored the decisive penalty as France advanced to the semifinals after a tense shootout. Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic was unable to stop France’s attacking force in the second leg, where Mike Maignan made two crucial saves. Despite 22 chances from France and none from Croatia, the match ended in a 2-0 win for Les Bleus, forcing extra time. Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Randal Kolo Muani all converted their penalties, while Maignan’s heroics ensured France’s progression.

Germany vs Italy: A Quick-Witted Ball Boy and Musiala’s Winner
Germany defeated Italy 5-4 on aggregate after a dramatic second leg. A strange goal from Jamal Musiala, assisted by quick-thinking ball boy Noel Urbaniack, gave Germany a 2-0 lead after Kimmich’s first-half penalty. Italy fought back, with Moise Kean scoring twice, but it wasn’t enough. Despite a dramatic equalizer in the second leg, Germany clinched the win with a 3-0 score on the night, securing a spot in the Nations League finals.

Portugal vs Denmark: Trincao’s Double Sends Portugal Through
Portugal triumphed over Denmark with a 5-3 aggregate score after a thrilling extra-time win. Despite a missed penalty from Ronaldo early in the match, Portugal took the lead with an own goal by Joachim Andersen. Denmark fought back to take the aggregate lead, but Francisco Trincao’s two goals, including one in extra time, sealed Portugal’s passage to the semifinals.

Spain vs Netherlands: Yamal’s Magic Sends Spain Through in Shootout
In a dramatic quarterfinal, Spain and the Netherlands fought back and forth before heading to extra time and eventually a penalty shootout. Mikel Oyarzabal’s early goal gave Spain the advantage, but Memphis Depay equalized for the Netherlands. After a thrilling back-and-forth in extra time, including Lamine Yamal’s stunning goal for Spain, the match was decided by penalties. Spain won 5-4 after a tense shootout, sending them to the semifinals.

With the final four now set, the semifinals promise even more excitement as these teams continue their quest for Nations League glory. Each match has shown that anything can happen on the road to the final, and fans can expect even more drama in the next stage.