March 24, (THEWILL) – The UEFA Nations League semi-finalists for 2025 have been confirmed following a gripping set of quarter-final matches concluded on Sunday. Germany, Portugal, Spain, and France emerged victorious from their two-legged ties, with the latter two advancing through tense penalty shootouts. The semi-finals, scheduled for June 4 and 5 in Germany, will see Germany face Portugal in Munich, while Spain take on France in Stuttgart.
These outcomes followed a dramatic weekend of football, with all four teams tested across their respective encounters. The final is set for June 8, promising a competitive conclusion to the tournament.
Germany qualified for the semi-finals with a 5-4 aggregate victory over Italy, despite a 3-3 draw in the second leg. The first leg, held on March 20, saw Germany claim a 2-1 advantage in Italy, giving them a slight edge heading into the return fixture. In Munich, Italy mounted a spirited comeback, levelling the tie by the 90th minute, but Germany held firm to see themselves through through extra time.
Portugal booked their place in the semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate win over Denmark, sealed in extra time. The first leg in Copenhagen ended with Denmark leading 1-0, placing Portugal under pressure for the return match in Lisbon. Trailing until the 87th minute of regular time, Portugal equalised the aggregate score at 3-3, forcing extra time. Two rapid goals in the additional period turned the tie in Portugal’s favour and sets up an intriguing clash with Germany.
Spain and France both required penalty shootouts to progress past the Netherlands and Croatia respectively on 23 March 2025. Spain’s second leg in Valencia ended 3-3, resulting in a 5-5 aggregate draw after a 2-2 first-leg stalemate. Barcelona’s Pedri scored the decisive penalty in a 5-4 shootout victory, following a save by goalkeeper Unai Simón from Donyell Malen. Meanwhile, France overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Croatia with a 2-0 win in Saint-Denis, levelling the tie at 2-2. Dayot Upamecano converted the winning kick in a 5-4 shootout, after Mike Maignan denied Josip Stanisic, setting up a semi-final meeting with Spain.
The semi-final line-up pits four of Europe’s footballing giants against each other. Munich’s Allianz Arena will stage Germany versus Portugal on June 4, followed by Spain versus France at Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz Arena the following day. The winners will contest the final, while the losing sides will compete for third place, both on June 8.
Spain, the defending champions after their 2023 penalty shootout win over Croatia, aim to repeat their success, while France, Portugal, and Germany each seek their second Nations League title.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
