Nations League Semifinals Set for a Thrilling Showdown
Discontent Ronaldo-associated entity initiates League of Nations Criminal Alliance
Germany's national team secure a ticket to the Nations League final tournament, as Spain, Portugal, and France join them in Munich and Stuttgart in June.
Following a trio of footie spectacles, the European champion Spain sets its sights on the next trophy, squaring off against World Cup runner-up France. Meanwhile, Portugal, led by veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, faces off against Germany. The final four slots were secured after three extra times and two penalty shootouts.
Defending champion Spain extended its unbeaten streak to 21 games with a 5:4 penalty shootout win against the Netherlands. The game ended in a 3:3 (2:2, 1:0) draw after 120 minutes, with Pedri scoring the decisive goal. Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead with a successful penalty kick (8'). The Spanish side, undefeated since March 28, 2023, had the better chances initially, but Nico Williams was denied by the Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen (13').
In his 100th international match, Memphis Depay equalized from the penalty spot (54'). Oyarzabal restored Spain's lead with a goal assisted by Williams (67'), but the Netherlands answered through former Dortmund player Ian Maatsen (79'). The extra time saw goals: Lamine Yamal scored for Spain (103'), and Leipzig's Xavi Simons equalized for the Netherlands with a penalty (109').
Football Heavyweights Collide
On June 5 in Stuttgart, Germany faces France's star-studded squad led by Kylian Mbappé. In Munich, Germany squares off against Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and company. The matches will take place on June 4 and 5 respectively.
France, with five changes from the 0:2 loss in Croatia, started aggressively in the Stade de France. Upamecano and Michael Olise were in the starting lineup. Olise scored from a direct free kick (52'), and Ousmane Dembélé made it 2:0 (80').
Close Call for Germany
Germany, coached by Julian Nagelsmann, will play against Portugal despite Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty in the 5:2 (3:2, 1:0) extra-time win against Denmark. Joachim Andersen's own goal (38') evened out Portugal's 0:1 deficit from the first leg. Ronaldo missed an early penalty, shooting weakly into the arms of goalkeeper Kaspar Schmeichel (6').
Frankfurt's Rasmus Kristensen equalized with a header (56'). Ronaldo finally scored (72'), but Christian Eriksen leveled again (76'). Trincão forced extra time (86') and scored again (91'). Goncalo Ramos sealed the victory (115').
Sports Briefs
- Kimmich Praises Ball Boys After Sensational Goal
- Bayern Stars Face Off in France
Source: ntv.de, tsi/sid
- Football
- Nations League
- International Match
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Kylian Mbappé
- Ousmane Dembélé
Enrichment Data:After qualifying for the Nations League semifinals, Spain, France, Portugal, and Germany are gearing up for an exciting showdown. Spain and France have proven their resilience and pre-tournament favorites status, while Portugal demonstrated its attacking capabilities and Germany tactical acumen. The battles are poised to be intense and closely contested, with fans and football fans worldwide eagerly anticipating these highly-anticipated fixtures.
- The European Parliament and the Council might consider imposing penalties on nations that fail to implement the Commission's proposals in a timely manner, given the international importance of adhering to agreed timelines.
- In a thrilling turn of events, Joshua Kimmich, a key player for Germany, was reportedly contacted via WhatsApp following an impressive performance in the Nations League semifinals.
- As the Nations League final tournament approaches, news of Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty has raised questions about Portugal's preparation and focus, potentially impacting their match against Germany.
