The UEFA Nations League quarter-finals are here, with Europe’s best teams battling for a spot in the semis. With just 180 minutes to prove themselves, every nation will need to step up. All three past champions are in the mix, along with five top teams looking to make their mark. Here’s what to expect from the matchups.
Netherlands vs. Spain
This is a rematch of the 2010 World Cup final and promises to be an epic match. The Netherlands have built a good team with a variety of talents nurtured by Ronald Koeman, with Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons playing important roles.
Spain, however, continues to blossom in Luis de la Fuente’s direction with their trademark mythic tiki-taka system and fresh talent in the form of Pedri and Nico Williams. Spain’s possession game will certainly be tested by the Dutch counter-attacks. Solid defense will be needed, with Virgil van Dijk’s presence being invaluable to the Netherlands, and Spain banking on Fabian Ruiz and Zubimendi to control the midfield.
Spain is the favourite to enter this encounter, having won its last five matches. Netherlands meanwhile, have only one win, one loss and three draws in their last five matches.
Both teams have scored 13 goals in the tournament but Spain conceded only four while the Dutch let in seven. Can the driven Netherlands upset the strength and momentum of the defending champion? That will be the game-changer, making this a thrilling one to watch.
Croatia vs. France
Croatia’s golden generation, led by Luka Modrić, keeps on surprising. Their midfield remains one of the finest in world football. But they are up against an extremely gifted French team full of attacking talent in the form of Kylian Mbappé, Randall Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembélé.
France’s depth can prove to be the difference-maker in this game. While Croatia will bank on experience and tactical solidity, France’s raw speed and flair could test their defense. Goalkeeping could play a crucial role, with Dominik Livaković set to be busy against a relentless French attack.
Croatia won two matches and lost one while the other three ended in a stalemate, in their last 5 matches.
France looks in great form, losing none but drawing just one match out of their last 5. With their lethal attacking unit and top notch form, they are surely ready to give Croatia a hard time in the quarters.
Would Croatia survive this round, or would it be a replica of the 2018 World Cup final match? Surely, this would be a match to watch out for.
Denmark vs. Portugal
Denmark has established itself as one of Europe’s most disciplined and well-structured teams. With players like Christian Eriksen pulling the strings in midfield and Rasmus Højlund emerging as a goal-scoring threat, they are a formidable unit. Portugal, on the other hand, boasts an incredible array of talent, from Cristiano Ronaldo’s experience to the youthful brilliance of João Félix and Rafael Leão.
Portugal’s attacking prowess will be the key to breaking down Denmark’s disciplined defense. While Denmark’s tactical organization could frustrate Portugal, the Iberian giants have the firepower to find breakthroughs, especially with Bruno Fernandes dictating play from midfield.
The matchup between Portugal and Denmark would be their first since 2015, with Portugal emerging as winners in their last three head to head clashes.
While both the teams drew two matches in their last five, Portugal managed to win the rest of their three but Denmark managed only one win while losing the other two. Portugal scored 13 goals while Denmark managed seven, while both the teams conceded five each. Portugal looks strong on paper as we head into the match-up but Denmark surely aims to upset the former champions.
Italy vs. Germany
This clash between two footballing powerhouses is the most anticipated fixture of the quarter-finals. Italy, as solid as they have been lately inconsistent, is still a solid defensive force with Gianluigi Donnarumma manning the posts and players such as Nicolò Barella spearheading the midfield. Germany, with Julian Nagelsmann in charge, is rebuilding, mixing youth with experience in the shapes of Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich.
Both Italy and Germany want to enter their first ever Nation’s League Finals. Both the teams won three out of their last five matches, but while Germany drew their other two matches, Italy lost one and drew the other.
Their last head to head match was in the previous edition of the Nations League, with Germany scoring five goals against Italy’s two, the largest goal scoring match between the two. This game does indeed offer action and entertainment because of their rivalry, with 8 World Cups shared among them.
Germany’s attacking style will be tested by Italy’s solidity. If Germany can set the tempo of the game and create chances – they will win, but Italy are specialists in knockout competitions and will be tough to break.
Conclusion
The quarter-finals of the Nations League will feature some of the planet’s best stars in an intriguing combination of fixtures. Although the teams are each well-stocked with their positives, some teams reign as favorites to qualify on grounds of team strength and current performances. Huge matches like Germany vs. Italy and fiery duels like Netherlands vs. Spain would test the mettle and the quality of the best sides of Europe. While favorites such as France and Portugal may appear formidable on paper, the knockout format of the game guarantees that surprises are in store. As semi-final places are determined, this much is certain; this tournament is still serving up memories. Stay tuned on Sofascore for all the action as Europe’s best fight for glory!