Soccer player in a blue jersey with number 10 and a captains armband gestures with open arms during a match.

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Four Giants Reach the UEFA Nations League Semifinals

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spain Refuses to Surrender Its Title

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’s victory.

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.

Spain is chasing an unprecedented three-peat, aiming to add the 2024 Nations League title to their 2023 triumph and the upcoming Euro 2024.

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 Dembélé (80′). The match was decided on penalties, where Croatia’s Martin Baturina, Frano Ivanušić, and Josip Stanišić missed their attempts. France’s Jules Koundé and Theo Hernández also faltered, but Dayot Upamecano eventually converted the decisive kick to send “Les Bleus” through.

Germany Shines Again

Italy mounted a strong second-half comeback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Germany, but it wasn’t enough to prevent “Die Mannschaft” from advancing, thanks to their first-leg win (2-1).

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′).

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.

Portuguese coach Roberto Martínez made three changes from the first-leg lineup, bringing in Gonçalo Inácio, Bernardo Silva, and Francisco Conceição for João Neves, Viega, and Pedro Neto.

Portugal’s goals came from a Joachim Andersen own goal (38′), captain Cristiano Ronaldo (72′), substitutes Francisco Trincão (86′, 91′), and Gonçalo Ramos (115′). Denmark’s goals were scored by Rasmus Kristensen (56′) and Christian Eriksen (76′).

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