The 2024-2025 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Nations League quarter-finals concluded after a fierce competition, with Germany, Portugal, Spain, and France advancing to the semi-finals.

The defending champion Spain reached the semi-finals after a 3-3 draw against the Netherlands in the quarter-final second leg held at Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia, Spain, on the 24th at 4:45 a.m. (Korea time), winning 5-4 in penalties.

The two teams, which also drew 2-2 in the first leg, were tied on aggregate score at 5-5, unable to determine a winner, and ultimately Spain emerged victorious in the penalty shootout.

Spain took the lead with multiple goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and a goal from 17-year-old rising star Lamine Yamal, but the Netherlands persistently kept up with goals from Memphis Depay, IAAN Maatsen, and Xavi Simons.

In the penalty shootout, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved a shot from Daniel Malen, and Pedri successfully converted as the final kicker, sealing the victory.

Meanwhile, Germany advanced to the semi-finals after a 3-3 draw against Italy in the second leg held at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, with an aggregate score of 5-4. Germany scored three goals in the first half and dominated with Joashua Kimmich's one goal and two assists but struggled against Italy's counterattack in the second half. Moise Kean scored two goals and Giacomo Raspadori added another, but no further equalizers were allowed.

France confirmed their spot in the semi-finals after defeating Croatia 2-0 in the second leg at Stade de France in Saint-Denis and winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout. After losing 0-2 in the first leg, France extended the match with a fantastic free-kick goal from Michael Olise and a follow-up goal from Ousmane Dembélé, leading to a penalty shootout where Dayot Upamecano succeeded as the final kicker.

Portugal completed a thrilling comeback with five goals in the second leg at home against Denmark, finishing with an aggregate score of 5-3. After losing 0-1 in the first leg, Portugal turned the game around with an own goal from the opponent, followed by relay goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Trincão, and Gonçalo Ramos in extra time.

The semi-final matchup has been confirmed as Germany against Portugal, and Spain against France, with the teams set to clash in June for a chance to advance to the final.

The semi-finals, which are crucial for determining Europe's strongest team, are expected to be fiercely contested.

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