Kylian Mbappé, after France's dramatic penalty shootout victory over Croatia in the Nations League, stated, "We woke up in the morning feeling like it could be a great night." However, he likely didn't anticipate the sheer chaos that would unfold in Sunday's quarter-final second legs.
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03-25, 2025Across the four matches, a total of 21 goals were scored, with three games going to extra time and two decided by penalty shootouts. Teams advanced forward with a devil-may-care attitude, resulting in a staggering 131 shots attempted. The scenes were chaotic. Ultimately, France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain progressed to the semi-finals.
Let's rewind the night, where a Portuguese legend missed a penalty, a German ballboy became a hero, and Italy nearly pulled off an incredible comeback. Cristiano Ronaldo was brought down in the box just five minutes into the game, awarding Portugal a penalty. However, Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel showed no fear of Ronaldo's run-up, saving his shot.
Germany completely unleashed themselves after breaking the deadlock. Holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg, Germany scored three goals in 15 minutes, seemingly sealing their victory. Joshua Kimmich's quick corner, allowing Jamal Musiala to score with ease, was reminiscent of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold assisting Divock Origi against Barcelona. 15-year-old Noel Ueberschar also became a focus after the game, quickly handing the ball back to Kimmich.
After losing the first leg 0-2, France endured a frustrating first 52 minutes against Croatia in Paris. Michael Olise's stunning 25-yard free-kick offered a glimmer of hope. Meanwhile, Portugal recovered from Ronaldo's penalty miss to take a 1-0 lead against Denmark, leveling the aggregate score, and Italy also pulled a goal back.
Italy, completely dominated by Germany in the first half, emerged transformed in the second. Former Everton striker Moise Kean scored twice, and suddenly a miraculous turnaround seemed within reach. Italy were awarded a penalty with around 15 minutes remaining, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. Italy won and scored a penalty in added time, but it was too late.
Inside a packed Stade de France, there was always a feeling that something special could happen on the pitch. Ousmane Dembélé scored the equalizing goal with 10 minutes remaining. Portugal and the Netherlands also took their respective matches against Denmark and Spain to extra time. Portugal scored twice in extra time, ensuring they wouldn't need penalties. However, Spain and the Netherlands would require a penalty shootout to decide their fate.
Netherlands forward Noah Lang and Yamal both missed their penalties in the shootout, before Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón saved Donyell Malen's shot, securing a final four spot for Pedri and the 2023 champions. In France, home goalkeeper Mike Maignan saved two penalties to become the hero. Ultimately, France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain advanced to the semi-finals, but the dramatic and thrilling manner in which they progressed made Sunday a special night in the Nations League.
