Spain-France and Germany-Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final four

The UEFA Nations League quarter-finals did not disappoint and offered play-offs full of drama and intensity. This was reflected in the dramatic comebacks and two ties decided by penalty shootouts. But, above all, fans enjoyed maximum excitement in an evening of simultaneous matches this Sunday in the second leg of the quarterfinals to define the Final Four of the Nations League: After disposing of the Netherlands in a penalty shootout, Spain will face France, who came from behind against Croatia, while hosts Germany will play Portugal after beating Italy and Denmark, respectively.

The protagonists of the first semifinal needed penalties to secure their place. France managed to overturn the result from the first leg against Croatia during regular time, while Spain drew again against Netherlands in a thrilling encounter.

Penalty shootout gives Spain a hard-fought victory

Three times Spain took the lead, three times the Netherlands equalized (3-3) to take a tie that had ended 2-2 in the first leg to penalties.

In the 120 minutes of play, Mikel Oyarzabal (8 -from the penalty spot-, 67) and Lamine Yamal (103) scored for the Spaniards, while for the visitors Memphis Depay (54, p), Ian Maatsen (79) and Xavi Simons (109, p) scored.

Yamal, the 17-year-old Spanish phenom, appeared to have given his side the victory with an exceptional goal in extra time with sublime control, a cutback and then a left-footed shot into the net. However, Luis de la Fuente's side, who made several defensive errors, conceded a second penalty after goalkeeper Unai Simón fouled Xavi Simons, who stepped up to convert it.

In the shootout, Pedri converted the decisive penalty for La Roja. "It's nice to wear this jersey and be able to score that goal.... It wouldn't have been possible without Unai. We are happy with the pass," he told AFP, referring to the goalkeeper, who had made the decisive save just before.

Maignan leads France to 'Final Four'

France beat Croatia on penalties (5-4) and qualified in a match in which they won 2-0, having equalized the tie after losing by the same scoreline in Split on Thursday.

Before the penalty shootout, Michael Olise scored with an excellent free kick (52'), and Ousmane Dembélé added another goal (80'). The score remained unchanged in extra time, and Bayern Munich's central defender Dayot Upamecano scored the decisive penalty.

Goalkeeper Mike Maignan, with two crucial saves, was the hero of the victorious penalty shootout, celebrated in grand style at the Stade de France, a venue in need of joy from a World Cup runner-up that had struggled since the 2024 European Championship.

"In penalties we have a goalkeeper who makes the difference.... We were convinced we had the ingredients to come back. We had a great atmosphere and we connected the fans with the team," said French captain Kylian Mbappé.

France will face Spain in the semifinals on June 5 in Stuttgart, in a rematch of the semifinals of the last European Championship won by La Roja.... Also in Germany.

A ridiculous goal puts an end to Italy's comeback

In Dortmund, Germany drew 3-3 with Italy after having distanced themselves 3-0, in the quarter-final between four-time world champions thanks to their 2-1 first-leg win at the San Siro.

In this return leg, Joshua Kimmich first scored from the penalty spot (30') and then provided assists for goals by Jamal Musiala (36') and Tim Kleindienst (45'). Italy responded with two goals from Moise Kean (49', 69') and a penalty from Giacomo Raspadori (90+5'), falling just one goal short of forcing extra time.

"I go home knowing that we are capable of playing well, but also that we can do more," admitted Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Incombustible Cristiano Ronaldo

Germany will play in the semifinals against Portugal, which won a spectacular 5-2 in a match that was defined by two Lusitanian goals in extra time after finishing 3-2 after 90 minutes, a result that equaled the Danish 1-0 from the first leg.

An own goal by Joachim Andersen in the 38th minute opened the way for the Lusitanians, for whom also scored Cristiano Ronaldo (72), Trincao (86, 91) and Gonçalo Ramos (115), while for the Danes scored Rasmus Nissen Kristensen (56) and Christian Eriksen (76).