International football is set to make a thrilling return after a long hiatus, with nations around the world competing for various prestigious titles over the next week. In Europe, the journey to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, though most of the continent’s football powerhouses will be focused on a different competition.
The 2024/25 UEFA Nations League resumes on Thursday evening with the first legs of the quarter-finals. Eight teams will battle it out to secure an advantage heading into the second leg. Among the contenders are all three previous winners of the tournament—Portugal, France, and Spain—promising some exhilarating matchups. Here are 90min’s predictions for the first legs.
Key Matchups
Croatia vs France
A rematch of the 2018 World Cup final sees Croatia hosting France. Since their iconic clash seven years ago, the two teams have faced off four times, with France failing to win the last two encounters. This tie is expected to be tightly contested, but Didier Deschamps’ side remains the favorite across both legs.
Denmark vs Portugal
This quarter-final tie is perhaps the least thrilling of the bunch. The inaugural Nations League champions, Portugal, are widely expected to advance. Denmark, under new head coach Brian Riemer, has struggled recently, failing to win any of their last four matches. Meanwhile, Portugal boasts an unbeaten group stage record and a far superior squad.
Italy vs Germany
A classic rivalry will be reignited as Italy takes on Germany, echoing their memorable 1982 World Cup final. The two teams have met 19 times since then, with their head-to-head record largely balanced. However, Germany dominated their most recent encounter, securing a 5-2 victory during the 2022/23 Nations League campaign.
Netherlands vs Spain
In what could be the standout match of the round, the Netherlands will host Spain, the reigning European and Nations League champions. The Dutch will be seeking revenge for their 2010 World Cup final defeat, but Spain’s current form makes them formidable opponents. La Roja has won 14 of their last 15 matches, showcasing their exceptional quality.
Predictions at a Glance
| Kick-off time (GMT) | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 19:45 | Croatia vs France | 1-2 |
| 19:45 | Denmark vs Portugal | 1-2 |
| 19:45 | Italy vs Germany | 1-1 |
| 19:45 | Netherlands vs Spain | 1-3 |
All four quarter-final first legs will kick off simultaneously and will not be broadcast in the United Kingdom, which may disappoint British audiences. Nonetheless, these clashes between Europe’s elite promise plenty of drama and excitement.
Stay tuned for the latest Nations League news, previews, and player ratings!
