The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League reached its knockout phase with four exciting quarter-final first leg matches on March 20, 2025. Denmark secured a slim advantage against Portugal, Croatia delivered a stunning performance against France, Germany completed a comeback against Italy, and the Netherlands shared a thrilling draw with Spain. These results set the stage for dramatic return fixtures on March 23, with all eight teams still harboring hopes of reaching the Nations League Finals in June.
Denmark 1-0 Portugal: Højlund Delivers After Eriksen’s Penalty Miss
At Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium, Denmark claimed a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Portugal in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg. The match featured fewer goals than anticipated but delivered significant drama as the Danes positioned themselves well for the second leg.
The hosts began brightly and earned a penalty in the 24th minute. Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen stepped up but couldn’t convert, continuing a frustrating international spell for the experienced playmaker who has 140 caps and 43 goals for Denmark. Despite boasting impressive statistics throughout his career, this crucial miss could have proven costly.
Denmark maintained their composure and persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Rasmus Højlund found the net after receiving an excellent assist from Andreas Skov Olsen. The Manchester United striker, who has now scored 8 goals in 23 international appearances, delivered when it mattered most. His clinical finish gave Danish supporters something to celebrate and established a slender lead for the return match in Portugal.
This result represents a significant victory for Denmark against a team they’ve historically struggled against. Portugal had previously won 11 of their 16 encounters, with Denmark securing only three victories and two draws in their head-to-head history.
Croatia 2-0 France: Dominant Display Stuns Les Bleus
One of the evening’s most surprising results came as Croatia outclassed France with a commanding 2-0 victory in their quarter-final first leg. Despite France entering as favorites, the Croatians delivered a masterclass in efficiency and tactical discipline.
The excitement began early when Croatia was awarded a penalty in the 8th minute. Andrej Kramarić stepped up but couldn’t convert, missing an opportunity to give the hosts an early advantage. However, this setback only seemed to galvanize the Croatian team, who continued pressing forward with determination.
Their persistence paid off in the 26th minute when Ante Budimir broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal, courtesy of an assist from veteran Ivan Perišić. The opener settled any Croatian nerves and allowed them to play with greater freedom against their illustrious opponents.
As the first half concluded, Croatia delivered another blow to French hopes. In the 46th minute, Ivan Perišić, not satisfied with just providing an assist, scored a spectacular volley to double Croatia’s advantage. The goal exemplified Perišić’s quality and experience on the international stage.
France, despite boasting a squad filled with world-class talent, couldn’t find a way back into the match. The Croatian defense remained solid to secure a clean sheet and take a significant advantage into the second leg in France. This victory adds another chapter to the competitive rivalry between these nations, who have met ten times previously, with France winning six of those encounters and Croatia securing just their second victory.
Italy 1-2 Germany: Second-Half Comeback Gives Germany the Edge
The clash between Italy and Germany lived up to expectations as one of the quarter-finals’ most anticipated fixtures. Italy started brightly, taking an early lead through Sandro Tonali in the 9th minute. The Newcastle midfielder’s goal delighted the home crowd and put Italy in control for much of the first half.
However, Germany demonstrated their resilience and quality after the break. In the 49th minute, Tim Kleindienst equalized with a well-executed finish after receiving an assist from Joshua Kimmich. The goal shifted the match’s momentum, with Germany growing increasingly confident as the second half progressed.
Their comeback was completed in the 76th minute when Leon Goretzka scored what proved to be the winning goal, again assisted by the influential Joshua Kimmich. The Bayern Munich midfielder’s clinical finish gave Germany a valuable 2-1 advantage to take back to home soil for the second leg.
This result continues the fascinating rivalry between these two football powerhouses, with Germany securing an important away victory in their quest to reach the Nations League semi-finals.
Netherlands 2-2 Spain: Late Drama Secures Draw for Spain
In Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Spain produced a thrilling 2-2 draw in their quarter-final first leg, with late drama ensuring the tie remains perfectly balanced heading into the second leg.
Spain started confidently and took the lead in the 9th minute when Nico Williams finished skillfully after receiving an assist from Pedri. The Athletic Bilbao winger’s goal gave Spain an early advantage and highlighted their attacking threat.
The Netherlands responded well and equalized in the 28th minute through Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool forward found the net after being set up by Justin Kluivert, bringing the scores level before halftime.
The Dutch maintained their momentum into the second half and took the lead just moments after the restart. In the 46th minute, Tijjani Reijnders put the hosts ahead with a well-taken goal following an assist from Jeremie Frimpong. The goal energized the home crowd and put the Netherlands in a strong position.
Spain, however, refused to accept defeat. As the match entered stoppage time, they pushed forward searching for an equalizer. Their persistence was rewarded in the 93rd minute when Mikel Merino headed home from Nico Williams’ cross, silencing the home crowd and securing a vital away goal for Spain.
The late equalizer means this quarter-final remains finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Spain, with both teams having reasons to be confident about their chances of progression.
Nations League Format and World Cup Qualification Path
The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League features a revamped format that introduced quarter-finals for the first time. The top two teams from each of the four groups in League A advanced to this knockout stage, with the group winners facing runners-up from different groups in two-legged ties.
These quarter-final matches have significance beyond just the Nations League trophy. The tournament provides an alternative qualification path for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners who don’t finish among the top two in their World Cup qualifying groups receiving a second chance through play-offs.
This connection to World Cup qualification adds extra importance to these matches, particularly for teams in Leagues B and C who might see the Nations League as their best route to the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026.
Key Player Performances
Several players made significant contributions in these quarter-final first legs. Rasmus Højlund’s winner for Denmark continues his impressive development as a key figure for his national team. Despite his penalty miss, Christian Eriksen remains vital for Denmark with his experience and playmaking abilities.
Ivan Perišić demonstrated his enduring quality for Croatia, contributing both a goal and an assist against France. The veteran winger showcased why he remains one of Croatia’s most important players even in the later stages of his career.
Joshua Kimmich was the standout performer for Germany, providing two assists to orchestrate their comeback against Italy. His vision and passing ability proved decisive in securing Germany’s advantage.
Nico Williams also had an impressive evening for Spain, scoring their opening goal and then providing the assist for their crucial late equalizer against the Netherlands, highlighting his importance to the Spanish attack.
Looking Ahead to the Second Legs
The return fixtures on March 23 will determine which four teams advance to the Nations League Finals in June 2025. Portugal will need to overcome a one-goal deficit against Denmark, while France faces an even tougher challenge, needing to overturn a two-goal margin against Croatia.
Italy must win in Germany to have any chance of progression, while the Netherlands and Spain start level in what could be the most closely contested of the four ties.
The winners of these quarter-finals will advance to the Nations League Finals, scheduled for June 4-8, 2025. The semi-finals will take place on June 4-5, with the third-place playoff and final set for June 8. The host country for the finals will be selected from among the four qualified teams.
