The draw for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, held in Nyon, Switzerland, has set the stage for thrilling encounters, with Germany facing Italy in one of the most highly anticipated clashes. Other exciting matchups include France against Croatia and Spain, the defending European champions, taking on the Netherlands in a cautious yet crucial battle.
Portugal, the 2019 Nations League champions, will face Denmark in another pivotal quarterfinal.
The two-legged matches will take place on March 20 and 23, with the semifinals scheduled for June 4 and 5, followed by the final on June 8.
The winner of the Spain-Netherlands match will face the winner of the France-Croatia clash. On the other side of the draw, the victor of the Germany-Italy encounter could potentially meet Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, assuming Portugal gets past Denmark.
Spain, the current Nations League holders, triumphed over Croatia in a penalty shootout in the final of the most recent edition. The Spanish side also finished as runners-up in the 2020-21 version.
The Germany-Italy match holds significant historical importance, given the rich footballing rivalry between the two nations.
Portugal claimed the inaugural Nations League title in 2019, followed by France’s triumph two years later.
In other matches that will determine promotion and relegation between the top two tiers, Belgium must defeat Ukraine to stay in the top league, while Greece, the 2004 European champions, will face Scotland.
Meanwhile, Turkey will meet Hungary, and Austria will take on Serbia in the ongoing battles between the first and second levels. Additionally, the Republic of Ireland will square off with Bulgaria in a crucial encounter to remain in the second tier.
