The UEFA Nations League is entering its crucial phase, with six teams already securing spots in the League A quarterfinals, leaving two places still up for grabs.
This season top 2 teams from each group of League A will advance to the quarter-final. The UEFA Nations League features all 55 UEFA member associations, divided into four tiers: League A, League B, League C, and League D. Leagues A, B, and C each consist of 16 teams split into four groups of four, while League D includes six teams divided into two groups of three.
Teams finishing last in each group from Leagues A, B, and C are relegated to a lower league for the next tournament. Meanwhile, third-placed teams in League A and B groups face runners-up from the league below in playoffs to determine promotion or retention. In League D, the two runners-up compete against the top two fourth-placed teams from League C for promotion to the higher league.
Which teams have qualified for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals?
1. Portugal
Portugal cruised into the quarterfinals with flair, topping their group after a dominant second-half performance against Poland. Rafael Leão opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a header, followed by two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, including a spectacular overhead kick to seal the victory.
Portugal finished with four wins and one draw from their 5 matches with one game against Croatia still to play. The 2018 World Cup finalists can join them with a win on the final day.
2. France
Adrien Rabiot’s brace proved decisive as France overturned their Matchday 1 defeat to Italy with a 3-1 victory in Milan, securing the top spot in their group. The French finished with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their group but managed to win the group thanks to their superior goal difference.
Didier Deschamps’ side will be eager to go all the way in the tournament after suffering a heartache in the 2022 World Cup against Argentina on penalties.
3. Italy
Italy entered the match against France as leaders of Nations League Group A2, needing only a win, draw, or even a one-goal loss to advance. However, the 3-1 defeat shifted the standings in France’s favor, leaving Luciano Spalletti and his squad with a more challenging path in the Nations League knockout stages.
By finishing second in their group, Italy will be placed in pot 2 for the quarterfinal draw. They are set to face one of the group winners: Germany, Spain, or Portugal. If Italy had topped Group A2, their quarterfinal opponent would have been from the other pot, which includes the Netherlands, Croatia, Scotland, or one of Poland, Denmark, or Serbia.
4. Germany
Germany secured their spot in the Nations League quarterfinals as group leaders with a dominant victory over Bosnia at Stade-Europa Park in Freiburg. Rüdiger played the entire 90 minutes for Nagelsmann’s side, while goals from Wirtz (2), Kleindienst (2), Musiala, Havertz, and Sané highlighted the comprehensive win.
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The commanding victory puts Germany five points clear of the Netherlands who finished the group in second.
5. Netherlands
The Netherlands secured their spot in the quarterfinals with a dominant 4-0 victory over Hungary on Saturday. Netherlands and Hungary entered the match level on five points, with the winner earning a spot alongside Germany in the Group A3 quarterfinals.
First-half penalties from Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo gave the Oranje an early edge, while second-half strikes from Denzel Dumfries and Teun Koopmeiners sealed the victory.
6. Spain
Spain had already secured a top-two finish after Matchday 4, but their 2-1 victory over Denmark confirmed their first-place position in the group with a match to spare.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead in the 15th minute with a straightforward finish after a brilliant team move, where he linked up with Ayoze Perez, who provided the assist for Oyarzabal to score with his right foot. Perez was rewarded for his strong performance in the 58th minute, finishing a superb pass from Olmo with a left-footed shot past Schmeichel for his second goal in four appearances.
Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo Released from Portugal Squad for Croatia Clash, Here is Why
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
