Spain, France win shootouts to set up semifinal showdown
In the penalty shootout, Spain held their nerve. Pedri scored the decisive penalty after Simon redeemed himself by saving from Donyell Malen. Meanwhile, in Paris, France battled back from two goals down to defeat Croatia on penalties, following a 2-2 aggregate draw.
Spain and France secured their places in the UEFA Nations League semifinals after both teams triumphed in dramatic penalty shootouts on Sunday evening. Their victories set up an exciting clash in the last four, with Spain to face France on 5 June in Stuttgart.
In a thrilling encounter in Valencia, Spain advanced after a 3-3 draw with the Netherlands, winning 5-4 on penalties. With the first leg having ended 2-2, the second leg was finely poised. Spain drew first blood when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot after being fouled in the area. However, the Netherlands responded early in the second half, with Memphis Depay scoring a penalty to level the score.
Oyarzabal put Spain back in front in the 67th minute, following a brilliant run and assist from Nico Williams. But the drama continued, with Ian Maatsen blasting in a stunning equaliser for the Netherlands with 11 minutes remaining.
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Extra time brought more twists, as Spain's 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal danced through the Dutch defence and curled a beautiful strike into the corner, sending the Spanish fans into raptures. Yet, Spain's joy was short-lived, as goalkeeper Unai Simon fouled Xavi Simons, who coolly converted from the spot to make it 3-3.
In the penalty shootout, Spain held their nerve. Pedri scored the decisive penalty after Simon redeemed himself by saving from Donyell Malen. "We're Spain and we don't have to fear anyone," Pedri said, looking ahead to the semifinal clash against France.
Meanwhile, in Paris, France battled back from two goals down to defeat Croatia on penalties, following a 2-2 aggregate draw. The shootout ended 5-4 in France's favour. Trailing from the first leg, Michael Olise sparked the comeback with a stunning free-kick early in the second half. Shortly after, Olise provided the assist for Ousmane Dembele, who scored to level the tie.
The shootout saw more high drama, as Theo Hernandez missed the chance to win it for France. However, goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerged as the hero. The Milan shot-stopper saved two penalties and watched another Croatian effort sail over, becoming the first French goalkeeper to win two international shootouts.
"We know that with Mike, we start a shootout with an advantage," said France captain Kylian Mbappé. "He makes a difference."
Maignan, who was benched for the 2022 World Cup final defeat to Argentina, finally had his moment of glory. "It's all about the mind," Maignan said. "You have to get into the shooter's head."
