The excitement of the UEFA Nations League made headlines across Europe during the March international break, but we now know the four teams that will be in action during the Finals.
A chaotic final night of action in the competition was staged on Sunday, March 23, with a staggering 21 goals scored across the four matches.
However, that only tells half of the story, with three of the ties going into extra time, and two going to penalties. But, the 2024-25 Nations League champions will be determined in Germany this summer, with Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany vying for their place in the history books. You can keep up with the current odds in the live sportsbook at Bovada.
EURO Champions Remain in the Mix
Just 12 months on from a memorable summer in Germany, which ended with Spain winning EURO 2024, they will be back for more success this summer. Luis de la Fuente’s side needed their fair share of luck to reach the Finals after they played out a 3-3 home draw just days after a pulsating 2-2 tie in Rotterdam.
Their progression hopes appeared to be slim after Lamine Yamal missed from the spot in the shootout, but Unai Simon spared his blushes after saving Donyell Malen’s spot kick. Spain had led twice in normal time before they were back ahead in extra time before Xavi Simons leveled the scores.
Spain’s chances will be boosted by the fact that they come into the Finals as the reigning holders, but no team has yet managed to successfully defend the honor.
France Fight Back
Didier Deschamps and his France side had a huge challenge on their hands in the Nations League quarterfinals, as they needed to overturn a 2-0 deficit when the tie moved back to France.
For a long time, it didn’t appear as though the French would be able to gain progression. However, the tie turned back in their favor following a stunning Michael Olise free-kick shortly into the second half. The Bayern Munich ace was at the heart of everything positive that the French did, and he would later set up Ousmane Dembele’s equalizer in the final ten minutes.
However, it wouldn’t be a straightforward success in the shootout, with Theo Hernandez and Jules Kounde both missing from 12 yards. But their place in the finals was assured after Dayot Upamecano converted. France will be looking for a second success in the Nations League after previously landing success in 2021.
Portugal Overcome Brave Danes
One of the most dramatic second legs in the quarterfinal stage came at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, as Portugal battled back from a first-leg deficit to secure a 5-3 aggregate win over Denmark.
However, it wasn’t a straightforward success for the Portuguese, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Trincao, and Joachim Andersen’s own goal being required to force extra time. The latter of those stars would eventually net his second goal early in the extra period before Portugal’s place in the finals was assured following Goncalo Ramos’ effort with five minutes remaining.
It was a mixed evening on the field for Ronaldo, who also missed a penalty, leading to fresh questions surrounding his position in the Portuguese side. However, the win means that Portugal will now have fresh hopes of winning the Nations League for a second time.
Germany Bag Home Advantage
Another goal-filled fixture was staged at Signal Iduna Park, as Germany secured their place in the Nations League finals after a 3-3 draw against Italy. Germany had claimed a first-leg advantage after a 2-1 away win.
The hosts looked on course for a dominant success in Dortmund after Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Tim Kleindienst netted in a blistering first 45 minutes. However, Italy threatened a remarkable comeback after netting three times in the second period.
There was also added importance for Germany, as the win over Italy ensures that they will have a home advantage for the Nations League finals in the summer. However, Julian Nagelsmann’s side is the only team involved in the final stage that has yet to win the tournament.
Who Will Win The Nations League?
France, Spain, and Portugal already have previous winning experience in the Nations League finals, with the Spanish being the team with the most appearances ahead of this summer after appearing in the last two editions.
Germany will have home-field advantage, but they will be making their first appearance in the Finals.
The Germans will improve their previous best appearance in the competition after finishing eighth in 2020-21. Spain and France will collide in a heavyweight clash in Stuttgart in the final four, while Germany will host Portugal in Munich.
Spain’s form at major competitions, evident from their wins at the EUROs and Olympics last summer, will give them the upper hand, but Portugal could be best placed to cause an upset if replicating the strong form that they showed in the Nations League group stages.
