Munich, March 24, 2025 – Defending champions Spain and perennial contenders France secured their spots in the Nations League semifinals on Sunday, but not without nail-biting penalty shootouts. They’ll join Germany and Portugal in the final four, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament in June.
Spain faced a relentless Netherlands side in Valencia, battling to a 3-3 draw after extra time in the second leg, resulting in a 5-5 aggregate score. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal added a deft extra-time goal, but Xavi Simons’ equalizer forced penalties. Goalkeeper Unai Simón’s save on Donyell Malen paved the way for Pedri’s decisive strike, clinching a 5-4 shootout win.
The UEFA Nations League semifinals :
Germany vs. Portugal
Spain vs. France
France, meanwhile, overcame Croatia in a tense showdown at the Stade de France. Leading 2-0 after 90 minutes to level the aggregate at 2-2, extra time yielded no goals. Mike Maignan’s stunning save from Josip Stanisic set up Dayot Upamecano to seal a 5-4 shootout victory. Kylian Mbappé, despite extending his goal drought to seven games, held firm to score in the shootout, while Michael Olise’s free-kick brilliance and assist to Ousmane Dembélé kept France alive earlier.
Germany dazzled then faltered against Italy in Dortmund, racing to a 3-0 first-half lead with goals from Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Tim Kleindienst. Italy fought back to 3-3, with Giacomo Raspadori’s stoppage-time penalty nearly forcing extra time, but Germany held on for a 5-4 aggregate triumph.
Portugal outlasted Denmark 5-2 after extra time in Lisbon, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit. Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty but later scored his 136th international goal, while Francisco Trincão’s brace proved pivotal.
The semifinals kick off June 4 with Germany vs. Portugal in Munich, followed by France vs. Spain in Stuttgart on June 5. The final is set for June 8.
Key Points: Nations League Semifinals Set After Thrilling Matches
- Spain Advances: Spain drew 3-3 with the Netherlands after extra time (5-5 aggregate), winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout with Pedri’s decisive kick.
- France Survives: France beat Croatia 5-4 in penalties after a 2-0 second-leg win leveled the tie at 2-2, with Dayot Upamecano sealing it.
- Germany Holds On: Germany drew 3-3 with Italy but won 5-4 on aggregate, surviving a late comeback sparked by Giacomo Raspadori’s penalty.
- Portugal Prevails: Portugal defeated Denmark 5-2 after extra time, overcoming a 1-0 first-leg loss, with Francisco Trincão scoring twice.
- Semifinal Matchups: Germany vs. Portugal on June 4 in Munich; France vs. Spain on June 5 in Stuttgart; final on June 8.
- Mbappé’s Drought: Kylian Mbappé’s goalless streak hit seven games for France, though he scored in the shootout.
- Notable Moments: Ronaldo missed a penalty but scored later for Portugal; Daniel Maldini debuted for Italy, 23 years after his father’s last game.
- Current Date: Matches reported as of March 24, 2025.
