Penalty shootouts were the defining moments of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals' second-leg matches, with two of the four semifinalists securing their spots via spot kicks. The semifinals promise thrilling clashes between some of the biggest names in international football.<\/p>
Spain will face 2021 champions France, who previously defeated \"La Roja\" in that year's final, while Germany, the tournament hosts, will take on 2019 winners Portugal.<\/p>
Defending champions Spain needed a dramatic penalty shootout victory (5-4) to eliminate the Netherlands after a 5-5 aggregate draw (2-2 in the first leg, 3-3 in the second leg). Similarly, France overturned a 0-2 first-leg deficit against Croatia by winning 2-0 at home before prevailing 5-4 in the shootout.<\/p>
Meanwhile, Germany played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Italy after leading 3-0 at halftime but advanced thanks to their 2-1 first-leg victory in Milan. Portugal completed the semifinal lineup by defeating Denmark 5-2 in extra time, overturning their 0-1 first-leg loss.<\/p>
Spain Refuses to Surrender Its Title<\/p>
In the first match, Spain continued their title defense by prevailing in the penalty shootout, despite young star Lamine Yamal missing their fourth attempt. The Netherlands faltered as Noah Lang and Donyell Malen missed their fourth and sixth kicks, allowing Pedri to seal Spain\u2019s victory.<\/p>
Mikel Oyarzabal (8' penalty, 67') and Yamal (103') scored for Spain, while Memphis Depay (54' penalty), Ian Maatsen (79'), and substitute Xavi Simons (109' penalty) netted for the Dutch.<\/p>
Spain is chasing an unprecedented three-peat, aiming to add the 2024 Nations League title to their 2023 triumph and the upcoming Euro 2024.<\/p>
In a similar comeback scenario, France leveled the tie against Croatia with a 2-0 home win, thanks to goals from Michael Olise (52') and Ousmane Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 (80'). The match was decided on penalties, where Croatia\u2019s Martin Baturina, Frano Ivanu\u0161i\u0107, and Josip Stani\u0161i\u0107 missed their attempts. France\u2019s Jules Kound\u00e9 and Theo Hern\u00e1ndez also faltered, but Dayot Upamecano eventually converted the decisive kick to send \u201cLes Bleus\u201d through.<\/p>
Germany Shines Again<\/p>
Italy mounted a strong second-half comeback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Germany, but it wasn\u2019t enough to prevent \u201cDie Mannschaft\u201d from advancing, thanks to their first-leg win (2-1).<\/p>
Germany raced to a three-goal lead in the first half through Joshua Kimmich (30' penalty), Jamal Musiala (36'), and Tim Kleindienst (45'). However, Italy responded with a brace from Moise Kean (49', 69') and a last-gasp penalty from substitute Giacomo Raspadori (90+5').<\/p>
Portugal became the final team to book their place in the semifinals with a 5-2 extra-time victory over Denmark, overturning their 0-1 home defeat in the first leg.<\/p>
Portuguese coach Roberto Mart\u00ednez made three changes from the first-leg lineup, bringing in Gon\u00e7alo In\u00e1cio, Bernardo Silva, and Francisco Concei\u00e7\u00e3o for Jo\u00e3o Neves, Viega, and Pedro Neto.<\/p>
Portugal\u2019s goals came from a Joachim Andersen own goal (38'), captain Cristiano Ronaldo (72'), substitutes Francisco Trinc\u00e3o (86', 91'), and Gon\u00e7alo Ramos (115'). Denmark\u2019s goals were scored by Rasmus Kristensen (56') and Christian Eriksen (76').<\/p>
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