The Nations League semifinals are set, with Spain and France advancing through penalty shootouts, joining Germany and Portugal in the next stage. The semifinals kick off on June 4, featuring Germany vs. Portugal in Munich, followed by France vs. Spain in Stuttgart on June 5. The final is scheduled for June 8.
Spain and France Prevail in Thrilling Penalty Shootouts
Spain engaged in a high-intensity battle against the Netherlands, concluding in a 3-3 draw after extra time, leveling the aggregate score at 5-5. Barcelona’s Pedri secured victory in the penalty shootout, with Unai Simón making a crucial save against Donyell Malen to claim a 5-4 shootout win.
France also progressed in a tense shootout, overcoming Croatia after their 2-0 lead in regulation time balanced the aggregate score. Dayot Upamecano scored the decisive penalty, while goalkeeper Mike Maignan played a pivotal role, saving Josip Stanisic’s effort to give France another 5-4 shootout triumph.
Germany’s Early Dominance Secures Victory Over Italy
Germany stormed into a 3-0 lead against Italy in the first half before narrowly avoiding a comeback. Joshua Kimmich converted a penalty, Jamal Musiala capitalized on an unexpected opportunity, and Tim Kleindienst added a third goal. However, Italy responded through Moise Kean’s brace, with Giacomo Raspadori scoring a stoppage-time penalty, closing the game at 3-3, but Germany advanced 5-4 on aggregate.
Portugal Stages Extra-Time Comeback Against Denmark
After a 1-0 first-leg loss, Portugal bounced back with a 5-2 victory in Lisbon. Francisco Trincão led the charge, scoring twice in extra time, while Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty but later netted his 136th international goal. Gonçalo Ramos completed the win, securing Portugal’s place in the semifinals.
Mbappé’s Goal Drought Continues
French captain Kylian Mbappé extended his longest scoring drought, going seven games without a goal. Michael Olise revived France’s chances with a 52nd-minute free-kick goal, later assisting Ousmane Dembélé to level the aggregate score 2-2, leading to extra time and a penalty shootout.
Spain Battles Resilient Netherlands
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal converted an early penalty, but Memphis Depay equalized from the spot in the 54th minute. Oyarzabal added another goal, but Ian Maatsen forced extra time with a stunning strike. Lamine Yamal restored Spain’s lead, but Xavi Simons leveled the score again, pushing the match to penalties, where Spain ultimately triumphed.
Germany Impresses Before Sloppy Finish
Germany’s Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala quickly built a lead, with Musiala catching Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma off guard after a defensive lapse. Tim Kleindienst made it 3-0, but Moise Kean’s two goals and Raspadori’s late penalty tested Germany’s resolve.
Ronaldo’s Missed Penalty Didn’t Cost Portugal
Ronaldo failed to convert a sixth-minute penalty, but Portugal took the lead through Denmark’s Joachim Andersen’s own goal. Rasmus Kristensen equalized for Denmark, but Trincão’s late heroics and Ramos’ extra-time goal secured Portugal’s comeback victory.
Historic Maldini Moment for Italy
Italy’s Daniel Maldini earned his first start, exactly 23 years after his father Paolo Maldini’s last international appearance, continuing the family’s legacy.
Lukaku’s Heroics Keep Belgium in League A
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku netted twice in the final minutes, securing a 3-0 win over Ukraine to remain in League A, overturning a 3-1 first-leg defeat.
Greece and Turkey Secure Promotions, Ireland Stays in League B
Greece earned promotion to League A, overturning a 1-0 deficit with a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland. Turkey cruised past Hungary 3-0, securing a 6-1 aggregate win. Meanwhile, Ireland defeated Bulgaria 2-1, ensuring their League B status.
Kosovo Rises to Group B After Muriqi Hat-Trick
Kosovo’s Vedat Muriqi netted a hat trick in a 3-1 win over Iceland, securing Group B promotion with a 5-2 aggregate victory.
