The UEFA Nations League quarter-finals are here, with four explosive matchups taking place on March 20, 2025. Among these, Denmark faces Portugal at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, while Italy hosts Germany in a clash of European titans. This marks a significant moment for both Denmark and Italy as they look to prove themselves against formidable opponents.
Denmark, managed by Brian Riemer, goes into this match against Portugal as underdogs. While they have struggled recently, failing to secure a win in their last four games and experiencing a challenging transition period, they aim to make history by reaching the semi-finals after finishing second in their group for the first time in Nations League history. Riemer, still seeking his first victory as Denmark’s head coach, is concerned about maintaining team morale and momentum as they head into this high-stakes matchup.
"Portugal has been a seriously competitive team, winning the inaugural Nations League back in 2019 and coming into this quarter-final unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions," Riemer stated prior to the game. He understands the historical context of Denmark's performance against Portugal, as they have won five of their last six encounters against them, a statistic that could boost his players’ confidence.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:45 p.m. CET, local time in Denmark, translating to 7:45 p.m. GMT in the UK, 3:45 p.m. ET in the United States, and 6:45 a.m. AEDT in Australia.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s legendary forward, is set to make an impactful return to the starting lineup. Having celebrated his 40th birthday last month, Ronaldo's experience and skill could be pivotal for the Seleção. His presence on the pitch is emblematic of Portugal's ongoing legacy in European football.
Furthermore, the match between Italy and Germany promises to be an intense battle. Italy, led by manager Luciano Spalletti, had a strong performance in the Nations League group stage, winning four out of five games and notably defeating France 3-1 in Paris. Yet, they still finished second in their group due to a loss against France in Milan. Germany, on the other hand, dominated their group, winning all six matches with ease.
Italy's past struggles against Germany have been notable; they have not managed to beat the Germans in their last six encounters, which certainly adds pressure on Spalletti's side. The last meeting of these teams in 2022 ended in a resounding 5-2 victory for Germany, further heightening the stakes.
As Italy prepares for the match, they will need to adjust their strategy due to the absence of influential wing-back Federico Dimarco, who has been sidelined with an injury. This could prompt a tactical switch, perhaps utilizing Destiny Udogie or pushing Alessandro Bastoni forward.
Match officials have been assigned for this encounter, with François Letexier taking charge on the field. Both teams will be keen to avoid cards and fouls, understanding the importance of maintaining discipline at this crucial juncture.
Back in Copenhagen, Denmark's team faces its own challenges, including the absence of key midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. His energy and tactical awareness will be missed in the midfield as Denmark transitions to a new 4-3-3 formation.
Despite Denmark's recent turmoil, they boast significant firepower, with striker Mika Biereth's recent form shining through as he has netted 11 goals in nine games for Monaco. His partnership with younger players will be pivotal if Denmark hopes to topple Portugal.
Fans will be able to catch the action across various platforms, with the match available for streaming live in the US on Fubo and Spanish-language service ViX. In Canada, viewers can watch on DAZN, while those in Australia can tune in via Optus Sport. This broad availability reflects the growing global interest in the Nations League and the prestige associated with these match-ups.
The return of Memphis Depay for the Netherlands is also noteworthy as he approaches his 100th international cap. Netherlands, managed by Ronald Koeman, is eager to return to glory, having come close to a final appearance in Euro 2024 before being eliminated by England.
As teams gear up for these quarter-final battles, the importance of national pride and the desire for silverware will drive these European powerhouses. Stakes are high for every team involved as they chase a spot in the semi-finals scheduled for June in Germany or Italy.
This year's quarter-finals are not only a test of skill and strategy; they also reflect the evolving landscape of European football and the depth of talent across the continent. With legendary players and promising stars on display, kickoffs on March 20 and March 23 will mark pivotal moments in the quest for the Nations League title.
Expectations are set; with teams like Italy and Denmark ready to defy history, while Germany and Portugal look to uphold their respective legacies. The wait is almost over as football fans prepare to witness high-octane action on the pitch!
