Deutsche Tageszeitung - Holders Spain to face Netherlands in Nations League quarters

Holders Spain to face Netherlands in Nations League quarters


Holders Spain to face Netherlands in Nations League quarters
Holders Spain to face Netherlands in Nations League quarters / Photo: © AFP

European champions Spain will play the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Nations League, while Friday's draw pitted Germany against Italy in another last-eight clash.

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Spain won the last edition of the Nations League after beating Croatia on penalties in the final. They also finished runners-up in the 2020-21 tournament.

In the other quarter-finals, France take on Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final and Portugal go up against Denmark.

The winners of the Spain-Netherlands tie will advance to a semi-final against either France or Croatia. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal could await Germany or Italy in the other last-four encounter.

Portugal won the inaugural edition in 2019 before France won the title two years later.

The quarter-final ties will be played over two legs from March 20-23 next year. The semi-finals are scheduled for June 4-5 with the final set for June 8 at a venue yet to be decided.

Belgium must beat Ukraine in their play-off to stay in League A, while Scotland take on Euro 2004 champions Greece. The other League A/B play-offs are Turkey against Hungary, and Austria facing Serbia.

The Republic of Ireland will play Bulgaria in their attempt to remain in League B.

(S.A.Dudajev--DTZ)