UEFA Nations League: All to know about the quarter finals fixtures
The March, 2025 international break begins this week with actions in the UEFA Nations League. The quarter-finals first leg set to ignite on Thursday, March 20, 2025, featuring four captivating fixtures: Netherlands vs Spain, Croatia vs France, Denmark vs Portugal, Italy vs Germany. This piece is set to each fixture, analyzing team performances, tactics, head-to-head statistics, and providing score predictions.
Netherlands vs Spain
One of the anticipated Nations League quarter finals fixture will be between the Netherlands and Spain on Thursday, 20 March, 2025 by 8:45 PM (GMT) at the De Kuip stadium.
Netherlands performances and tactics
Under manager Ronald Koeman, the Dutch have embraced an attacking 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing wing play and fluid midfield dynamics. Memphis Depay’s clinical finishing, Virgil van Dijk brilliant defending, and Frenkie de Jong’s midfield orchestration have been pivotal.
Spain performance and tactics
Led by Luis de la Fuente, Spain boasts a youthful squad with a possession-based 4-3-3 setup. The emergence of talents like Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal has added dynamism to their play. Spain boasts a solid defense, only conceded 3 goals in the 2024 Euros held in Germany.
Netherlands vs Spain head-to-head statistics
The clash between Netherlands and Spain has been thrilling in the last two decades with notable examples of the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa and the group stage match in Brazil’s 2014 World Cup. However, in their last four encounters, the Dutchs have been dominant securing 2 wins to Spain’s 1 and a 1 all draw between both sides
Netherlands vs Spain prediction
Football enthusiasts across the globe who are anticipating this clash should expect an intense and adrenaline-fueled battle. However, considering Spain’s possession dominance and emerging talents may tip the balance in a closely contested match with the score line as Netherlands 2-3 Spain.
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Croatia vs France
The rivalry between Crotia and France will be renewed in the quarter-finals of the Nations League on Thursday, 20 March, 2025 by 8:45 PM (GMT) at the
Croatia performances and tactics
Zlatko Dalic’s side relies on a resilient 4-2-3-1 formation, with veterans like Luka Modrić providing experience. Their disciplined defense and strategic counter-attacks are noteworthy. Moreover Crotia holds a dominant win percentage of 67 when playing at home.
France performances and tactics
Didier Deschamps employs a flexible 4-3-3 system, blending youth like Aurelien Tchouameni and the experience of players like Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. However, the team faces a setback with Marcus Thuram’s withdrawal due to an ankle injury.
Crotia vs France head-to-head statistics
Dalic’s Croatia will definitely be anxious for a revenge since their humiliated defeat to France in Russia’s 2018 World Cup. However France has historically dominated this fixture, securing 3 wins 2 draws against Crotia’s single win in their last six meetings.
Crotia vs France prediction
Croatia 1-1 France A balanced game likely leading to extra time, considering France’s injury concerns and Croatia’s resilience.
Denmark vs Portugal
Denmark will play host team to Portugal in the quarter-finals first leg of the Nations League on Thursday, 20 March, 2025 by 8:45 PM (GMT)
Denmark performances and tactics
Kasper Hjulmand’s team utilizes a structured 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing collective pressing and swift transitions. Christian Eriksen’s playmaking abilities remain central. The Danish have been struggling only securing a win in their last five matches.
Portugal performances and tactics
Since the appointment of Roberto Martinez, Portugal favors a pragmatic 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 setup, balancing defensive solidity with attacking flair and maintaining possession. The midfield synergy between Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha offers creative sparks with captain Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack.
Denmark vs Portugal head-to-head statistics
Both countries have not faced each other in any international competition in the last decade, with Portugal securing a 1-0 victory over Denmark.
Denmark vs Portugal prediction
Denmark 0-2 Portugal Portugal’s tactical discipline and individual brilliance may secure them a decisive victory.
Italy vs Germany
Germany will be guest in Italy in the Nations League quarter-finals first leg on Thursday, 20 March, 2025 by 8:45 PM (GMT).
Italy performances and tactics
Luciano Spaletti’s side operates a fluid 4-5-1 formation, focusing on possession and aggressive defensive organization. The Italian side have been struggling when it comes to international competitions mostly due to injuries but their recent qualification for the quarter-finals highlights their resurgence.
Germany performances and tactics
team employs an aggressive 4-2-3-1 system, emphasizing high pressing and rapid attacks. Players like Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz are instrumental in their approach.
Italy vs Germany head-to-head statistics
Historically, Italy and Germany have a seemingly balanced rivalry. However, in their last five meetings, Italy have been the underdog, securing no win with 3 draws when at home as against Germany’s 2 wins.
Italy vs Germany prediction
Italy 1-3 Germany A tightly contested match is expected considering both countries team abilities but Germany should edge out a victory at the end of the 90 minutes game.
Conclusion
These quarter-final clashes promise thrilling football, with each team bringing unique strengths to the fore. Fans worldwide eagerly await the outcomes as the UEFA Nations League reaches its crescendo.
