Nyon, Switzerland:- The stage is set for the conclusion to the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, with the quarterfinal matchups now confirmed after a dramatic draw at UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday.
The international break in November concluded the group stage, and the top teams from across Europe are now preparing for the knockout rounds, where a place in the final and the chance to lift the coveted Nations League trophy awaits.
In a draw filled with intrigue, the quarterfinals will see some of the continent’s biggest footballing nations face off in what are sure to be memorable contests.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team are set to take on Denmark. The Portuguese star will be hoping to lead his nation to glory as they aim to add another prestigious title to their collection which they won in its first edition, 2019.
In another high-profile clash, Croatia will face France in a rematch of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. Croatia, still reeling from their heartbreaking penalty loss to France in that final, will be determined to avenge that defeat to progress to the last four.
Spain, the current holder of the Nations League title, faces a challenging test against the Netherlands who have emerged as a formidable force under the management of Ronald Koeman. But the defending champions, fresh off their success in Euro 2024, will be keen to defend their Nations League crown.
Meanwhile, Italy will square off against Germany in what promises to be a hard game between two of the most successful footballing nations in history. Both teams have a deep tactical understanding of the game, and their clash will be a battle of contrasting styles.
The quarterfinals will be played over two legs, with the top-seeded teams from the League A groups playing at home in the second leg. This format adds an extra layer of excitement, as teams will need to excel over two matches to secure a place in the semifinals.
The semifinals, however, will be single-legged encounters, scheduled to take place in June 2025, with the final also being held that month.
In addition to the quarterfinals, the draw also determined the matchups for the promotion and relegation playoffs between the leagues. These games will take place in March 2025 alongside the quarterfinals, with teams battling to secure their spots in the higher tiers for the next Nations League cycle.
Notable matchups include Turkey playing Hungary, a crucial contest to decide which team will earn promotion to the top tier for the next cycle.
Ukraine play Belgium, Austria dance with Serbia, and Greece clash with Scotland. These matchups are critical as teams look to avoid relegation and ensure they remain in the top tiers for future tournaments.
In League B/C playoffs, Kosovo will face Iceland, Bulgaria will meet the Republic of Ireland, Armenia will go head-to-head with Georgia, and Slovakia will play Slovenia.
For the League C/D games, Gibraltar will take on Latvia, while Malta will face Luxembourg in a battle to determine which nations will stay in the lower echelons of European football.
The 2024/25 Nations League represents a significant opportunity for teams to build up for the next UEFA European Championship and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The confirmed quarterfinal matchups are as follows:
– Netherlands vs. Spain
– Croatia vs. France
– Denmark vs. Portugal
– Italy vs. Germany
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