UEFA Nations League: How Spain, others could reach semi-final
Actions will again resume in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with the second-leg fixtures set for Sunday, March 23, 2025, following the first-legs played on March 20. This piece is set to analyze each fixture based on their performances in the first leg, tactical approaches, team news, head-to-head statistics, and scoreline predictions for the second leg.
Spain vs Netherlands
First Leg Result
Netherlands 2-2 Spain (Rotterdam, 20 March, 2025)
Spain vs Netherlands performance
In the first leg of the 2025 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, Spain showed resilience, equalizing in stoppage time through Mikel Merino after trailing 2-1. Nico Williams opened the scoring early, but Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders turned it around for the Dutch. The Netherlands played with intensity but were reduced to 10 men after Jorrel Hato’s red card, which Spain capitalized on late. Spain’s unbeaten streak in competitive matches now stands at 22, while the Netherlands demonstrated attacking ability but defensive weakness.
Spain vs Netherlands tactics
Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, deployed their possession-based tiki-taka style, with Lamine Yamal and Williams stretching the Dutch defense. The Netherlands, led by Ronald Koeman, relied on quick transitions and physicality, with Gakpo and Reijnders exploiting gaps and defensive errors. For the second leg at the Mestalla, Spain will likely dominate possession again, while the Netherlands, missing Hato, may shift to a more compact 4-4-1 to counter on the break.
Spain vs Netherlands team news
Spain will go into the second-leg without star midfielder, Rodri to improve their control in the midfield. The Netherlands will miss Hato due to suspension, potentially forcing Koeman to adjust with Nathan Ake or Jurrien Timber at left-back. No major injuries reported from the first leg.
Spain vs Netherlands head-to-head statistics
Spain and the Netherlands have met 13 times, with Spain winning 6, the Netherlands 5, and 2 draws. Recent encounters favor the Dutch (3 wins in the last 5), but Spain’s 2010 World Cup final victory (1-0) remains iconic.
Spain vs Netherlands prediction
Spain’s home advantage at the Mestalla, combined with their depth and the Netherlands’ defensive adjustment, will make some meaningful adjustment to who advanced to the semi-finals. Spain 2-1 Netherlands (Aggregate: 4-3).
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France vs Croatia
First Leg Result
Croatia 2-0 France (Split, 20 March, 2025)
France vs Croatia performance
Croatia stunned France in the first leg of the 2025 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic scoring in the first half. France, despite Kylian Mbappe’s return and the skillful energy of Ousmane Dembele, lacked cohesion and balance between the defense and the attack, failing to convert chances, with goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic standing tall. Croatia’s disciplined display capitalized on French errors, while Le Bleus struggled to break down a resolute defense.
France vs Croatia tactics
Croatia’s 4-3-3 under Zlatko Dalic focused on pressing high and quick transitions, with Luka Modric dictating play. France’s 4-2-3-1, led by Didier Deschamps, aimed to utilize Mbappe’s pace, but poor finishing and midfield disconnect stood as the odds against their expected victory. At the Stade de France, expect France to push forward aggressively, possibly switching to a 4-3-3, while Croatia will sit deep and rely on counter-attacks.
France vs Croatia team news
France has no major injury concerns; Mbappe and Dembele are expected to start again, with possible adjustment like Adrien Rabiot in the center of the midfield. Croatia’s squad remains intact, with Modric and Perisic likely to feature despite fatigue concerns.
France vs Croatia head-to-head statistics
France remains a dominant side when they come against the Croatians. Their 2018 World Cup final (4-2) victory over Crotia testifies of their dominance in such fixture. Croatia’s only win came in 2022 (1-0), and their first-leg victory in the 2025 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals is another rare upset for the Les Bleues.
France vs Croatia prediction
France’s home crowd and attacking firepower should overturn the deficit, but Croatia’s resilience makes it tight. France 2-0 Croatia (Aggregate: 2-2, France to progress to the semi-final stage with a win on penalties).
Portugal vs Denmark
First Leg Result
Denmark 1-0 Portugal (Copenhagen, 20 March, 2025)
Portugal vs Denmark performance
Denmark edged Portugal with a late Rasmus Hojlund goal off the bench in the first-leg of the 2025 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, despite Christian Eriksen missing a penalty earlier, prevented by Diogo Costa. Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo making his 218th appearance and Bruno Fernandes, dominated possession but lacked clinical finishing. With Kasper Schmeichel’s heroics, Denmark’s defensive solidity frustrated the visitors.
Portugal vs Denmark tactics
Denmark’s 4-3-3 under Kasper Hjulmand balanced defense and counterattacks, with Hojlund’s impact off the bench, a key moment in the game. Portugal’s 4-2-3-1, managed by Roberto Martinez, leaned on Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha’s creativity, but their attack was no where near the expectations. At home in Lisbon, Portugal will push forward with more urgency, while Denmark may adopt a 5-4-1 to protect their first-leg victory and hope to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Portugal vs Denmark team news
Portugal’s Ronaldo, Fernandes, and Joao Neves remain fit to start in the second-leg, with no suspensions. Denmark’s Hojlund could be in the starting lineup against the Os Navagadores, but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg remains out through injury, creating a void in their midfield.
Portugal vs Denmark head-to-head statistics
Portugal have remained dominant whenever they come against Denmark. No much action have come between both sides since 2015 where Portugal got a 1-0 victory. However, Denmark’s first-leg win now makes the trend equal between both sides.
Portugal vs Denmark prediction
Portugal’s home advantage and attacking depth should prevail, though Denmark’s organization keeps it close. Portugal 2-0 Denmark (Aggregate: 2-1).
Germany vs Italy
First Leg Result
Italy 1-2 Germany (Milan, 20 March, 2025)
Germany vs Italy performance
Germany came from behind to win at the San Siro in the quarter-final first-leg of the 2025 UEFA Nations League, with Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka scoring after Moise Kean’s opener for Italy. Joshua Kimmich’s playmaking was pivotal. Germany’s resilience in the attack contrasted with Italy’s inability to defend and hold on to their early lead.
Germany vs Italy tactics
Germany’s 4-2-3-1 under Julian Nagelsmann emphasized pressing and width, with Kimmich and Goretzka driving forward. Italy’s 3-5-2, led by Luciano Spalletti, relied on Kean’s movement, but their midfield was no where fit to provide support for the attack or balance the defense. In Munich, Germany will maintain their aggressive approach, while Italy may switch to a 4-3-3 for more control.
Germany vs Italy team news
Germany’s squad is healthy, with Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz likely to feature prominently. Italy awaits Retegui’s fitness; if absent, Kean starts again, with possible changes like Giacomo Raspadori.
Germany vs Italy head-to-head statistics
Italy leads 15-11 in 37 meetings, but Germany has won 3 of the last 5, including a 5-2 thrashing in 2022. The first leg continues Germany’s recent edge.
Germany vs Italy prediction
Germany’s home form and momentum should seal the tie, though Italy’s pride keeps it competitive. Germany 1-0 Italy (Aggregate: 3-1).
These predictions factor in first-leg performances, tactical adjustments, home advantage, and historical trends, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the quarter-finals!
