Spain to Face Netherlands in Nations League Quarter-Finals
Reigning Nations League champions Spain will take on the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of this year’s competition, while Friday’s draw also paired Germany with Italy in another exciting clash. Spain, who won the previous edition by beating Croatia on penalties, also reached the final of the 2020-21 tournament.
In the other quarter-finals, France will face Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup final, and Portugal will go head-to-head with Denmark.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged the challenge ahead: “At this stage, all opponents are tough. The Netherlands have great players and were semi-finalists at the Euros. It’s going to be difficult, as it would be against anyone.”
The Spanish Football Federation is considering staging the second leg in Valencia to raise funds for victims of recent floods in the region.
Semi-Final Pathway
The winner of the Spain-Netherlands tie will advance to a semi-final against either France or Croatia. In the other bracket, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal could face Germany or Italy in the last four.
Portugal, winners of the inaugural Nations League in 2019, and France, champions in 2021, are looking to add another title to their resumes. This is the first edition of the Nations League to feature quarter-finals, which involve the top two teams from each League A group.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed excitement about their matchup with Italy. “I’m looking forward to it. They’re a great team, and it’s always good to compete with the best.”
Key Dates
The quarter-final matches will be played over two legs from March 20-23, 2025. The semi-finals are scheduled for June 4-5, with the final set for June 8 at a venue yet to be announced.
Play-Off Matches
In other news, Belgium must defeat Ukraine in their play-off to stay in League A, while Scotland face Greece, the Euro 2004 champions. Turkey will take on Hungary, and Austria will clash with Serbia in other League A/B play-offs.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland will play Bulgaria as they fight to remain in League B.
