The 2024/25 UEFA Nations League finals are set to take place in Germany from June 4 to 8, with four of Europe’s most storied footballing nations vying for the trophy. Germany, Portugal, France, and Spain have each navigated their way through the quarter-finals and now stand just two matches from silverware.
Germany, serving as host nation, edged past Italy 5–4 on aggregate in a wildly unpredictable tie. A 3–3 second-leg draw laid bare persistent defensive vulnerabilities, but also underscored the team’s capacity to respond under pressure. While home advantage might once have made Germany favourites, inconsistency at the back tempers expectations, so if you are planning to do some sports betting, perhaps consider the other teams.
Portugal delivered one of the round’s most compelling narratives, overturning a first-leg deficit against Denmark to secure progression. Veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo provided composure and leadership, while Francisco Trincão struck late to complete the comeback and secure a place in the semi-finals.
Elsewhere, both Spain and France required penalty shootouts to advance. Spain edged the Netherlands 5–4 after their quarter-final ended 5–5 on aggregate, while France erased a 2–0 first-leg loss to defeat Croatia on penalties, also by 5–4. The result sets up a semi-final rematch of the 2021 final, where Spain will aim to defend their title against a French side determined to reassert itself on the international stage.
With each of the remaining four nations bringing pedigree, firepower and recent form, the stage is set for a fitting conclusion to the fourth edition of the UEFA Nations League.
How the finalists qualified
Germany booked their first UEFA Nations League semi-final with a chaotic 3–3 draw against Italy in Dortmund, surviving a second-half collapse to claim a 5–4 aggregate victory. After racing into a three-goal lead in the first half, Germany let Italy back into the tie, conceding three times after the break. It was enough, but only just.
Portugal were on the brink of elimination after losing their first leg against Denmark, but mounted a ruthless response in the return fixture. Francisco Trincão struck twice in extra time after a regulation-time turnaround, with Gonçalo Ramos adding a late fifth in a 5–2 win that sent them through with momentum firmly on their side.
Both Spain and France relied on penalty shootouts to book their tickets. Spain edged the Netherlands with Pedri converting the decisive spot-kick after a 5–5 aggregate thriller. In France’s case, goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerged as the hero, saving from the spot to overturn a 2–0 first-leg loss and knock out Croatia.
Key factors in the semifinals
Germany may have reached the final four of the UEFA Nations League, but their defensive collapse against Italy has raised serious questions. Exposed repeatedly in the second half in Dortmund, they surrendered a 3–0 lead and relied on their first-leg advantage to scrape through. With the semi-final in Munich, home support could offer a crucial edge, but Portugal arrive with an attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Trincão, and Gonçalo Ramos that looks poised to exploit German vulnerabilities.
The other semi-final promises a tactical duel. Spain will look to control the tempo through midfield, while France, who edged Croatia via penalties, will rely on their counterattacking threats and transitional play. Both are recent winners—Spain the defending champions, France victorious in 2021—and neither are strangers to pressure on this stage.
On form, Portugal and Spain stand out. Portugal’s clinical edge and Germany’s porous defence suggest an Iberian victory is likely in that tie, while Spain’s tournament pedigree and France’s recent reliance on spot kicks could tip the balance in favour of Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Should both favourites prevail, the final will pit Portugal’s fluid attacking style against Spain’s rigid, controlled structure—a classic stylistic clash. Yet with Germany buoyed by home advantage and France’s track record of resilience under pressure, the 2025 Nations League remains wide open, with quality and unpredictability in equal measure.