Germany have put themselves in a strong position to progress to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann's side came from behind to win 2-1 in the first leg against Italy at the San Siro in Milan on 2025-03-20. The match saw Tim Kleindienst equalize in the 49th minute after Sandro Tonali had given Italy the lead in the 9th minute. Leon Goretzka scored the winning goal in the 76th minute with a header from a corner taken by Joshua Kimmich. This hard-fought victory marks Germany's first away win against Italy in 39 years.
From the outset, Germany controlled the game, creating several chances early on. Goretzka, who returned to the national squad after a significant absence, was a standout performer. Julian Nagelsmann commended Goretzka's strong showing, stating, "I'm happy for him; he turned in an outstanding display in the second half in particular. He was the MVP of the game in my view, he had a big impact in both defence and attack." The coach's words highlight how crucial Goretzka's return was for the team's morale.
Germany aims to maintain their momentum in the second leg, set to take place in Dortmund on March 23 at 20:45 CET. There's a high expectation among fans and players alike that the team can secure their spot in the semi-finals, given this significant first leg win.
In another matchup, Croatia created a favorable position for themselves in their quarter-final clash against France, winning 2-0. Josip Stanišić played the entire 90 minutes, while his teammates from Bayern, Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise, came on as substitutes in the second half. Despite Andrej Kramarić missing a penalty early in the game, Ante Budimir and Ivan Perišić found the net to secure the victory. This puts pressure on France for the return match, which will be held in Paris on the same day as the German match.
Meanwhile, Alphonso Davies faced disappointment as Canada was knocked out of the Concacaf Nations League after a 2-0 loss to Mexico. Raúl Jiménez scored both goals for Mexico, ending Canada's hopes for a place in the final. However, Canada will have a chance to redeem themselves, competing against the USA in the third-place playoff on March 23 at 23:00 CET.
Japan's Hiroki Ito celebrated a major achievement, as he and his team qualified for the 2026 World Cup after their 2-0 victory over Bahrain. This win secured their place as the first team, apart from co-hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico, to guarantee a spot in the tournament. Ito played the full 90 minutes and made a significant contribution, helping to solidify Japan's position at the top of their qualifying group.
The excitement surrounding these international fixtures highlights the impact of the UEFA Nations League and other competitions on player development and national pride. As FC Bayern players continue to shine on the international stage, their performances not only lift the spirits of their national teams but also contribute to the club's stature in world football.
