The UEFA Nations League semifinals are set, with Portugal, France, Spain, and Germany advancing after thrilling second-leg encounters.
Portugal overturned a 0-1 first-leg deficit against Denmark with a dominant 5-2 victory in Lisbon. Despite missing an early penalty, Cristiano Ronaldo scored, while an own goal from Joachim Andersen leveled the tie. Francisco Trincão’s brace and Gonçalo Ramos’ strike sealed a 5-3 aggregate win, propelling Portugal into the semifinals.
France staged a remarkable comeback to erase their 0-2 deficit against Belgium. At the Stade de France, Les Bleus secured a 2-0 victory with a brilliant free-kick from Michael Olise and a clinical goal from Ousmane Dembélé. The match went to penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw, where France triumphed 5-4 in a tense shootout.
Spain and the Netherlands delivered a thrilling contest. After a 2-2 first-leg draw, their second-leg clash in Valencia ended 3-3 after extra time. Mikel Oyarzabal’s brace and a stunning goal from Lamine Yamal matched Memphis Depay’s heroics. In the penalty shootout, Spain edged out the Dutch 5-4, advancing with a 5-5 aggregate score.
Germany and Italy produced a classic at Signal Iduna Park. Holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg, Germany stormed to a 3-0 first-half lead through Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Tim Kleindienst. Italy responded with a second-half brace from Moise Kean and a late penalty from Giacomo Raspadori, but they fell short, drawing 3-3 on the night. Germany progressed with a 5-4 aggregate score.
The stage is now set for two epic semifinal showdowns:
- Germany vs. Portugal
- Spain vs. France
With Europe’s top talents set to collide, the battle for the Nations League title promises unforgettable drama and intensity.
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