The quarterfinals of the Nations League (A) commenced on Thursday, March 20, 2025, with Croatia delivering a stunning performance, dethroning France with a decisive 2-0 victory. The match took place at the bustling Stadion Poljud in Split, where Ivan Perisic stepped up as Croatia's star player, significantly contributing to the triumph.
Early in the match, Croatia was presented with a golden chance to take the lead when referee Danny Makkelie awarded a penalty after Josip Stanisic was fouled inside the box. However, Andrej Kramaric's effort from the spot was denied by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, a bitter setback for the home side. Yet, this miss was merely a prelude to their impending success.
Halfway through the first half, Perisic executed a perfect cross, setting up Ante Budimir, who scored with a powerful header, putting Croatia ahead 1-0. Just before the halftime interval, Perisic doubled the lead with a stunning diagonal shot from the edge of the penalty area, solidifying Croatia's command over the match.
In the second half, France attempted to regroup and push for a comeback, featuring prominent players such as Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé, yet they struggled to find the net. Despite their efforts, Croatia's defense held firm, securing a crucial win for the team in the first leg of this knockout tie. The return match will take place in France on Sunday, March 23, 2025, with the victorious team set to advance to the semifinals against either the Netherlands or Spain.
Elsewhere in Milan, Germany also enjoyed success, overcoming Italy with a 2-1 scoreline. The match kicked off strongly for Italy, with Sandro Tonali scoring an early goal from a well-placed header. However, the German side showed characteristic resilience after halftime. Tim Kleindienst equalized the score before Leon Goretzka clinched the victory, marking an impressive comeback by the German squad. Notably, both of Germany's goals were assisted by Joshua Kimmich, who showcased his valuable contribution in midfield.
In Copenhagen, Denmark edged out Portugal with a narrow 1-0 victory in a match that saw plenty of opportunities. The Danish team held the majority of the possession and looked threatening throughout. Although Christian Eriksen missed a penalty in the first half, he later made amends by providing the assist for Rasmus Højlund, who scored the game's only goal with a well-timed header. This victory sets Denmark on a promising path as they aim for a semifinals spot in the Nations League.
The quarterfinal matches saw Croatia, Germany, and Denmark all establishing strong positions ahead of the return legs, which will also be played on Sunday, promising an exciting conclusion to these knockout rounds. The expectations are high as these teams strive for a place in the semifinals.
