ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Spain rescue point for demself after Mikel Merino score late equaliser to end match at 2-2 against Netherlands on Thursday. Dis draw keep Spain’s unbeaten streak alive for past two years as dem face tough game.
Di match start hot as Spain get early lead through Nico Williams. Dem quickly capitalized on teenager Jorrel Hato’s error, as Lamine Yamal assist Williams for the opening goal. Despite Spain dropping some early chances, Dutch players Gakpo and Reijnders hit back with two goals before Hato collect red card for rash foul.
After im red card, Spain press hard, and Merino finally respond with equaliser just three minutes into stoppage time to keep dem alive for next match against Netherlands.
Meanwhile, for other quarter-final, Germany come from behind to beat Italy 2-1 for San Siro. The hosts scored first with Sandro Tonali converting a chance after an assist from Barella but Germany equalized thanks to Tim Kleindienst before Leon Goretzka score winning goal in late minutes.
Croatia also dey on fire, as dem beat France 2-0 in their last quarter-final. Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic score to give Croatia solid advantage for di second leg. Despite missing an early penalty, dem dey build confidence for next match as France struggle to find form even with Kylian Mbappé back on pitch.
Denmark manage small win over Portugal with Rasmus Højlund scoring the only goal in a 1-0 encounter. Di young striker strike just before 80th-minute mark to secure critical lead for dem before second leg in Lisbon. Portugal get chances but fail to convert, making dem need strong performance next game.
Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, express happiness for di late equaliser. “We keep believing to the end,” im talk. “This team get heart, and we never give up.”
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti acknowledge di defeat against stronger German side. “We don’t expect this scoreline. We must regroup and be ready for next week,” he said.
With quarter-finals dey finalize, fans dey excited for di upcoming second legs on Sunday as all eyes go dey on which four teams go reach di finals. Spain, Croatia, Germany, and Denmark all take first step towards hopes for 2025 finals.
As di competition dey hot up, each team go need to bring their best game come next Sunday. Di Nations League dey show say dem are ready to enter di big stage.
