Nations League rematches! Can we expect a comeback from Portugal and France? Another showdown in Dortmund

On March 23, the top national teams from the group stage will play their return matches in the quarterfinals of the Nations League. Here are my predictions for these matches. What will the lineup of the semifinalists look like?

• See also: San Marino vs Romania preview, H2H and probable lineups — March 24, 2025

Spain vs Netherlands. Will the Spaniards showcase their class?

Nothing has been decided in this pair yet, as the battle in Rotterdam ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw. The Dutch must be frustrated, having conceded the equalizer in the 90+3 minute, although a draw was a fair result given the game.

The "Red Fury" are favorites for the second encounter, and there are good reasons for this. The Spaniards are the reigning European champions and Nations League Cup holders. The main argument in favor of the hosts is that they haven't lost at home since September 2022, when they fell to the Swiss.

The first match showed that the Spaniards are not infallible in defense, as previously thought, largely due to the Netherlands' unpredictable movements that confused their experienced opponents. I believe the Spaniards are rightfully considered favorites; they are more stable than their upcoming opponents and will play with the support of their home crowd.

Bet on the match: Spain to win. Odds – 1.71.

Germany vs Italy. Is all lost for the "Azzurri"?

Despite the Germans winning the first match 2-1, there is still intrigue in this pair. The Italians were frankly unlucky in the first match, creating many chances and playing creatively in attack, but their finishing let them down. Germany scored their goals from crosses, with both assists credited to Kimmich, who was rated the best player of the match.

The Germans are considered favorites for the encounter, although a draw is enough for them to reach the final. In Milan, the opponents delivered an interesting and high-quality match, and I expect something similar in Dortmund, where the stands will fervently support the hosts.

No one will sit back in defense, which is why I expect end-to-end football. The Italians have more at stake, as just one goal would level the aggregate score in this matchup. The bookmakers have almost written off the "Azzurri," as Spalletti's team has the worst odds of winning the Nations League among all the quarterfinalists.

Bet on the match: Both teams to score - yes. Odds – 1.8.

Portugal vs Denmark. Ronaldo and company need a comeback!

Few expected the Danes to be a threat in this pairing, as they did not impress during the group stage, while Portugal looked strong, boasting a powerful squad. Ronaldo and company were slight favorites in the first game, although an away draw was not the worst outcome.

Denmark's coach insisted his players would play for the win, and they proved it on the pitch. The hosts had slightly less possession but took more shots on goal – 23:8. Eriksen could have opened the scoring in the middle of the first half but missed a penalty. The victory was secured by Manchester United's striker Rasmus Højlund in the 78th minute – 1-0 to the Danes, with the goal celebration mimicking Ronaldo's style.

Portugal were somewhat shocked by their lackluster attack, not expecting such quality football from their opponents. Overcoming a one-goal deficit shouldn't be a problem for Ronaldo and company, provided they recover psychologically from such a setback. In the upcoming match, the hosts should play on the front foot, although breaking through the opponent's defense won't be easy.

Bet on the match: Portugal to win. Odds – 1.6.

France vs Croatia. Can the French complete the comeback?

The intensity in this pair has only increased after the first match, where few expected Croatia to put up a fight, especially over two legs. Even away, the French were considered heavy favorites but suffered a shocking 0-2 defeat, complicating their task of reaching the semifinals.

In terms of statistics, the French had more possession and more shots on goal but fell short in the most important metric. The hosts scored both goals in the first half, and in the early stages, Kramaric also missed a penalty. Perisic was the hero of the match, scoring a goal and providing an assist.

Didier Deschamps' team underestimated their opponents in the first match and now have to pay the price for their mistakes. France has every chance of mounting a comeback, but they need to demonstrate what the reigning World Cup runners-up are capable of. I expect plenty of goals, though I lean towards a home win with a negative handicap.

Bet on the match: France to win with a -1 goal handicap. Odds – 1.7.