Categories: Sports

Spain beat Netherlands, set up France Nations League semi-final

Holders Spain defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic quarter-final second leg in Valencia finished 3-3 on Sunday to set up a Nations League last-four clash with France.

France also edged Croatia in a shoot-out after a 2-2 aggregate draw on Sunday.

On a dramatic night, Portugal battled past Denmark in extra time and will next face Finals hosts Germany after their tense 5-4 aggregate victory over Italy.

European champions Spain took the lead in the tie, after Thursday’s 2-2 first-leg draw, when Mikel Oyarzabal picked himself up after being fouled in the box to slot home an early penalty.

The Netherlands equalised nine minutes into the second half as Memphis Depay also won and then netted a spot-kick.

Oyarzabal grabbed his second in the 67th minute after a strong run forward by Nico Williams, only for the Dutch to level again with 11 minutes remaining through Ian Maatsen’s fierce strike.

Lamine Yamal struck shortly before the interval in extra time, though, curling the ball into the far corner after a couple of superb touches.

There was yet another twist as Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon brought down Xavi Simons, who picked himself up to score.

Transactions on NGX drop 32% as eTranzact leads losers’ chart

Spain edged home 5-4 in the shoot-out despite a miss from Yamal, as Simon saved from Netherlands winger Donyell Malen and Pedri struck the winning penalty.

Spain will face 2021 Nations League winners France in the semi-finals in Stuttgart on June 5.

France wiped out a two-goal deficit against Croatia at the Stade de France.

Michael Olise’s brilliant free-kick broke the deadlock on the night in the 52nd minute, before Ousmane Dembele swept Olise’s cutback into the bottom corner to send the quarter-final to extra time.

Theo Hernandez missed a penalty to win it for France in an eventful shoot-out, but Dayot Upamecano eventually secured a 5-4 success on penalties in sudden death.

Elsewhere, Belgium narrowly avoided relegation to League B as two late goals from Romelu Lukaku helped them overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Ukraine with a 3-0 victory.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Rivers govt counters Wike: Ongoing repairs, not politics, barred Tinubu rally

The Rivers State Government has refuted allegations that it deliberately blocked a pro-President Bola Tinubu…

16 minutes ago

Stock market capitalisation gains N184bn, hits N106trn

Trading on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed mixed on Friday, January 30, 2026, as…

53 minutes ago

Ondo varsity expels 15 students for sex videos, misconduct

The management of Achievers University, Owo in Ondo State, has expelled no fewer than 15…

1 hour ago

Naira appreciates against dollar at official market

The naira closed the week stronger against the United States dollar on Friday, January 30,…

1 hour ago

How Nollywood filmmaker Stanley Amandi was lured into coup plot

Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi was allegedly deceived into participating in a plot to…

2 hours ago

Fire razes groom’s home days before wedding

A fire outbreak has destroyed the newly completed home of a groom-to-be, Malam Rilwanu Bello,…

2 hours ago

This website uses cookies.