The results of the first legs of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals were announced early on IST on Friday (21 March). The Netherlands were held by Spain, while Italy lost at home to Germany.
The Netherlands failed to make the most of their home advantage, holding Spain to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final at De Kuip. In fact, the Netherlands were reduced to 10 men.
Spain took the lead after just nine minutes when Pedri’s pass found Nico Williams.
The Netherlands equalised in the 28th minute to make it 1-1. Cody Gakpo’s first-time shot found the back of Unai Simon’s net.
In the 46th minute, the Netherlands took the lead. AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders got his name on the scoresheet.
Unfortunately, the Netherlands were reduced to 10 men after Jorrel Hato’s 81st-minute red card.
Spain made the most of their numerical advantage to equalise. Mikel Merino scored in the 90th minute when he pounced on a loose ball in front of the home goal.
The score remained 2-2 until the final whistle. The teams will meet again in the return leg on 24 March 2025.
In the other quarter-final, Germany came away with a 2-1 victory at Italy’s home ground, the San Siro. That result made the second leg of the tie even easier for Der Panzer.
Italy took a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute through Sandro Tonali. The goal came from Matteo Politano’s cut-back, which Tonali converted with a direct shot.
Germany did not equalise until the 49th minute. Tim Kleindienst’s header from a Joshua Kimmich pass beat Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Italy pulled one back in the 76th minute through Leon Goretzka. The midfielder latched on to Kimmich’s corner and smashed the ball into the back of the Azzurri net.
The result leaves Italy with a tough task in the second leg at Signal Iduna Park on 24 March 2025.
Here are the results from the first legs of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals:
Netherlands 2-2 Spain
Croatia 2-0 France
Denmark 1-0 Portugal
Italy 1-2 Germany
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