Spain rescue late draw against Dutch, Croatia stun France

Mikel Merino's 93rd-minute equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for Spain against the Netherlands in their Nations League quarter-final first leg on 20 March, while Croatia took a significant step towards the semi-finals with a 2-0 win over France.

Germany also gained the upper hand in their tie, coming from behind to defeat Italy 2-1 in Milan, as Denmark edged Portugal 1-0 thanks to Rasmus Hojlund's late strike.

Spain strike late after Dutch see red

At De Kuip in Rotterdam, Spain took an early lead through Nico Williams but needed a stoppage-time goal to extend their two-year unbeaten run after the Netherlands fought back despite being reduced to 10 men.

Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders struck on either side of the break to turn the game in the hosts' favour, but their momentum was halted when teenager Jorrel Hato saw red in the 81st minute for a reckless challenge on Robin Le Normand.

Williams was again at the heart of Spain's attack, cutting inside and unleashing a shot that Bart Verbruggen could only parry into the path of Merino, who slotted home the equaliser.

"It's disappointing to concede so late. I don't think we deserved that, but playing with 10 men made things difficult," Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman told Ziggo. "We dared to take the game to Spain and were the better team."

Croatia punish poor France

In Split, Croatia avenged their 2018 World Cup final defeat with a commanding 2-0 victory over France, despite an early missed penalty.

Andrej Kramaric's eighth-minute spot-kick was saved by Mike Maignan, but the French goalkeeper could not prevent Ante Budimir's header from finding the net 18 minutes later.

Ivan Perisic doubled Croatia's lead in first-half stoppage time with a precise volley, leaving France with an uphill task in the return leg.

"Croatia are in a better position now," France coach Didier Deschamps admitted to TF1. "Our first-half performance was far from our best. The second leg will be different, and we will do everything to turn it around."

Kylian Mbappe made his long-awaited return to international football after a six-month absence but endured a frustrating night.

Germany take control after comeback win in Italy

Italy took an early lead against Germany in Milan when Sandro Tonali struck in the ninth minute, but the visitors turned the tie around with two second-half headers.

Tim Kleindienst levelled in the 49th minute before Leon Goretzka nodded home the winner 14 minutes from time, with captain Joshua Kimmich providing both assists.

"It wasn't easy to come from behind and win," said Jamal Musiala. "Now we must approach the return leg with the same determination, knowing the job isn't done."

Hojlund fires Denmark past Portugal

In Copenhagen, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Denmark, with Hojlund netting the decisive goal in the 78th minute.

The Manchester United forward came off the bench to finish off Andreas Skov Olsen's low cross, capitalising on a night of sustained pressure from the hosts.

Diogo Costa produced several saves, including a penalty stop from Christian Eriksen, but was left helpless as Hojlund struck to secure Denmark a first-leg advantage.

"It was our worst performance in the last two years," Portugal coach Roberto Martinez told RTP.

Ukraine stun Belgium, Turkey and Scotland claim wins

In the Nations League promotion/relegation play-offs, Ukraine produced a stunning comeback to beat Belgium 3-1 in Murcia.

Romelu Lukaku had put Belgium ahead just before the break, but three goals in 11 minutes from Oleksii Hutsuliak, Vladyslav Vanat and Illia Zabarnyi turned the match in Ukraine's favour.

Elsewhere, Turkey beat Hungary 3-1 in Istanbul, Scotland secured a 1-0 win over Greece thanks to a Scott McTominay penalty, and Serbia held Austria to a 1-1 draw.

The second legs of all ties will be played on 23 March.