Nations League Quarterfinals Results, March 20 – Kylian Mbappe’s France Struggles, Cristiano Ronaldo-Led Portugal Stunned by Denmark

UEFA Nations League quarterfinals delivered thrilling action and big upsets.

The first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals delivered thrilling action and big upsets. Standout performances from players like Nico Williams and Rasmus Hojlund proved decisive, while star players, including Kylian Mbappe, and Cristiano Ronaldo failed to get the team over the line.

Let’s take a look at how the teams fared in the Nations League first-leg matches on Thursday.

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— UEFA Nations League DE (@EURO2024DE) March 20, 2025

Netherlands vs Spain (2-2)

This was a clash of the giants where both teams were equally destructive and put equal efforts into this game. With a red card and an equalizer in the last moments, this match was worthy of a quarter-final.

Nico Williams gave Spain an early lead in the game, but Cody Gakpo equalized for the Netherlands before halftime. Tijjani Reijnders put the Dutch ahead after the break. However, then they were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes left of the official time and Jorrel Hato was sent off. Mikel Merino rescued an equalizer for Spain in the 90+3rd minute.

Croatia vs France (2-0)

This result is a surprise considering the plethora of talent under Didier Deschamps and Croatia’s golden generation having ‘come and gone’. Croatia dominated the first half and took every advantage to put themselves in the 2-0 lead in the first half itself even after missing a penalty. France tried to make a comeback in the second half but could not break Croatia’s defense.

Also read: Spain Men’s Football Fixture: What Are the Upcoming Games for Spain National Football Team?

Denmark vs Portugal (1-0)

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. were pretty meek in front of a dominant Denmark. However, the surprise was how little Portugal’s attacking efforts were (eight shots in total, only two on target) compared to Denmark’s massive 23 shot-day with nine of them on target. Denmark could still only manage a narrow 1-0 win, but secured vital three points ahead of the second leg.

Italy vs Germany (1-2)

It was Italy’s game to lose as they took the lead early in the game in the 9th minute through a Sandro Tonali goal. However, Italy failed to hold onto that lead as Tim Kleindienst equalized for Germany in the 49th minute. Joshua Kimmich, who assisted the first goal, also set up the second one for Leon Goretzka to score the winner in the 76th minute.

Also read: France Men’s Football Fixture: What Are the Upcoming Games for France National Football Team?

Playoffs Results:

Turkey vs Hungary: 3-1

Armenia vs Georgia: 0-3

Ukraine vs Belgium: 3-1

Austria vs Serbia: 1-1

Greece vs Scotland: 0-1

Kosovo vs Iceland: 2-1

Bulgaria vs Ireland: 1-2

Slovakia vs Slovenia: 0-0

Croatia

Denmark

France

Germany

Italy

Nations League

Netherlands

Portugal

Spain

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.