The defending champions, Spain along with France, had to rely on penalty shootouts on Sunday to secure their spots in the Nations League semifinals. They will be accompanied by Germany and Portugal in this stage of the competition.

In a thrilling match that went into extra time, Spain found themselves level at 3-3 following the second leg, resulting in an overall score of 5-5. Barcelona’s midfield talent Pedri stepped up to convert the winning penalty kick. This came after Spain’s goalie, Unai Simón, managed to save Donyell Malen’s attempt during the tense shootout, which ended with a narrow victory margin of 5-4.

France secured victory in the penalty shootouts with the same scoreline against Croatia, tying up the match at regular time as they led 2-0 before going into extra time where no additional goals were netted. Dayot Upamecano delivered the winning penalty shot following an impressive save by goalkeeper Mike Maignan off Josip Stanisic’s attempt.

Despite scoring three goals in the first half against Italy, Germany managed to hold on tenaciously resulting in a 3-3 draw, which was enough for them to secure an overall victory with a score of 5-4. In the latter stages of the game’s added time during the second leg, Giacomo Raspadori converted a crucial penalty kick that narrowed down Italy’s deficit to just one goal at their home stadium in Dortmund.

In Lisbon, Portugal overturned their initial loss of 1-0 by defeating Denmark 5-2 after extra time. Late in the game, Francisco Trincão netted two goals for Portugal, although Cristiano Ronaldo had missed an earlier penalty kick.

The semifinal matches start on June 4 as Germany takes on Portugal in Munich, then on June 5, France faces off against Spain in Stuttgart.

The finale takes place on June 8.

Mbappe’s drought continues

This marks Kylian Mbappé’s longest goalless streak with the French national team at seven games, leaving him still at 48 goals.

When Michael Olise bent in a 52nd-minute free kick for his inaugural international goal, he brought France level in the match. Later, with just ten minutes remaining, he assisted Ousmanes Dembélé to equalize, tying the game at 2-2 overall.

Mbappé had a clear opportunity during extra time but failed to capitalize. However, he remained calm under pressure and converted France’s initial spot kick in the shootout at the Stade de France.

The resilient Dutch team pushes the Spanish squad to their limits throughout the match.

Mikel Oyarzabal’s early penalty gave Spain an advantage in Valencia, but Memphis Depay leveled the score with a penalty kick in the 54th minute.

Oyarzabal scored his second goal halfway through the second half after a swift counterattack, but defender Ian Maatsen’s left-footed shot equalized the match, forcing overtime.

In the 103rd minute, Barcelona player Lamine Yamal restored Spain’s lead with a precise shot. However, midfielder Xavi Simons leveled the score for the Netherlands, forcing the match into penalty kicks.

Germany stylish, then sloppy

Joshua Kimmich converted a penalty kick for Germany and Bayern Munich teammate Jamal Musiala scored the second goal under peculiar conditions just six minutes afterward, at the 36-minute mark.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had just made a fine save from a header. As he was remonstrating with his defense, Kimmich played a short corner to Musiala and he clipped the ball into the net with Donnarumma stranded.

Forward Tim Kleindienst gave Germany a 3-0 lead, but Moise Kean scored twice in the second half to bring Italy within striking distance before the match concluded with some excitement.

Ronaldo’s gentle penalty wasn’t detrimental.

Ronaldo holds the record as the highest goalscorer in men’s soccer history; however, he had a weak attempt at a penalty kick just six minutes into the game, which was saved by Kasper Schmeichel. Schmeichel correctly anticipated the direction of the shot and caught it effortlessly.

Portugal went ahead just before halftime after defender Joachim Andersen inadvertently directed the ball into his own net following a corner kick.

In the 56th minute, Rasmus Kristensen directed the ball with his head towards the goal for the equalizer, scoring his inaugural goal for Denmark as a result.

When Ronaldo pushed the ball in from near the goal line for his 136th international goal, Christian Eriksen quickly leveled the scores at 2-2 with a deft finish after receiving a cross. However, Trincão ultimately secured victory by scoring twice, forcing the match into extra time.

Gonçalo Ramos scored the fifth goal.

Denmark took the lead with a 1-0 victory in the initial match.

Maldini’s first start

Daniel Maldini made his debut for Italy, 23 years after his father Paolo Maldini’s final appearance with the national team. Notably, Cesare Maldini, who was Daniel’s grandfather, also represented Italy in international competitions.

Greek and Turkish coasts tour, Lukaku secures victory for Belgium

Seasoned forward Romelu Lukaku netted two crucial late goals, helping Belgium defeat Ukraine 3-0, thus remaining in League A despite having lost the initial match 3-1.

Greece advanced to League A following their impressive 3-0 victory in Scotland, which allowed them to overcome a initial 1-0 deficit. Notably, 17-year-old midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas contributed to the winning performance.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s penalty helped guide Turkey to a 3-0 win over Hungary, securing an overall 6-1 triumph and their advancement to League A.

Hungary and Scotland were relegated to League B, whereas Ireland remained in League B following their 4-2 aggregate victory over Bulgaria with a score of 2-1.

In another match, Vedat Muriqi scored three goals as Kosovo secured a 3-1 victory over Iceland, resulting in an overall win of 5-2 and placing them in Group B.