Italy pulled off a remarkable comeback, coming back from being down three goals. Watch as they equalised against Germany during an incredible second leg of the Nations League quarter-final. Italy put on a valiant effort during their scrappy comeback, but could not complete the upset. Germany eliminated the United States 5-4 on aggregate to move on to the semi-finals. Cristiano Ronaldo had a monstrous performance in Portugal’s win over Denmark. He had a very important, late-game goal that was the deciding factor in sending his team to finals.
Italy’s emotional match against Germany was one for the ages. A truly strange occurrence when Italy completely switched off as a corner was taken saw them give away their second goal of the tournament. This loss of focus was very expensive as Germany took full advantage. Italy's goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, put up a commendable performance, making a crucial save to tip over Tim Kleindienst's header for a corner.
In a similarly thrilling match, Portugal drew at home to Denmark in their quarter-final second leg. Cristiano Ronaldo, though he missed a penalty, successfully scored in the second half to lead Portugal to a 3-2 comeback win. Goncalo Ramos put Portugal ahead 5-0 in the second half of extra time. This important slap shot propelled their team to a 5-2 victory, clinching their place in the finals.
In other action, Spain and the Netherlands fought in a pulsating contest that finished 3-3 after regular time. Memphis Depay equalized with a penalty for the Netherlands in the second half, but Spain regained the lead through an Oyarzabal header. For a second time, Ian Maatsen’s howitzer of a strike for the Netherlands brought things back to level-pegging, taking the match into extra-time. It was Spain that came out ahead in the penalty shootout, sending them through to the semi-finals.
France were also forced to rely on spot kicks to get through against Croatia in their quarter-final clash. Dayot Upamecano converted the winning penalty as France emerged victorious in the shootout. Earlier, France had won their second leg against Croatia 2-0, pushing the tie into extra-time before clinching victory on penalties.
Noel Urbaniack, expressing his astonishment at the unfolding events, remarked:
"It is unbelievable. I have never been involved in something like that."
Those quarter-final matches have produced a thrilling prospect for the Nations League finale. Germany, Spain, France and Portugal are through to the semi-finals! Every team played with passion and heart, creating a dramatic conclusion that will lead into an equally dramatic finale.
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