Spain squeeze past Netherlands, Germany beat Italy, and more: Nations League – as it happened in 2025.
Spain Squeeze Past Netherlands, Germany Beat Italy, and More: Nations League – As it Happened.
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The UEFA Nations League, a competition designed to provide more competitive international football while replacing some friendlies, has become a fixture in the international calendar since its inception in 2018. As teams continue to battle for supremacy, the 2024-2025 edition has delivered some thrilling matches. Among the most gripping encounters were Spain’s narrow victory over the Netherlands and Germany’s commanding win against Italy, two results that have shaped the group stage and set the stage for more drama in the weeks ahead.
As always, the Nations League showcased a mix of experienced heads and emerging talents, all vying for a place in the upcoming finals. In this report, we break down the significant moments of the matchdays, offering an in-depth look at Spain’s victory, Germany’s success, and other key results that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Spain’s Narrow Win Over Netherlands: A Test of Nerves Spain squeeze
The match between Spain and the Netherlands had all the makings of a classic encounter. Both teams have a rich history in international football, with Spain coming off a World Cup that saw them progress to the knockout stages and the Netherlands always a dangerous opponent with their attacking flair. The setting was primed for a dramatic spectacle, and the match did not disappoint.
From the first whistle, it was clear that this was going to be a tactical battle. Spain, under the stewardship of coach Luis de la Fuente, looked to maintain their possession-heavy style of play, while the Netherlands, led by Ronald Koeman, were more direct and intent on exploiting the pace of their wide players. The first half was a cagey affair, with Spain dominating possession but struggling to break down a resolute Dutch defense.
However, it was the Netherlands that created the better chances in the first period. Cody Gakpo, who has been in scintillating form for both club and country, looked dangerous every time he got on the ball, but he found Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón in inspired form. Simón’s crucial saves from Gakpo and Memphis Depay kept Spain in the game as the half-time whistle blew.
In the second half, Spain started to find their rhythm. The introduction of fresh legs in midfield gave them more dynamism, and the combination of Pedri, Gavi, and Dani Olmo began to threaten the Dutch defense. Despite their possession dominance, Spain found themselves in a precarious position when the Netherlands countered late in the match. Denzel Dumfries sent a perfect cross into the box, and a well-timed header from Depay seemed destined for the back of the net. However, it was a miraculous clearance off the line from Spanish defender Pau Torres that saved Spain from a potentially disastrous equalizer.
In the 76th minute, Spain finally broke the deadlock. A beautiful ball over the top from Sergio Busquets found Olmo, who coolly slotted past Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken. The goal was the result of Spain’s patient build-up play, and the intensity of the match erupted into cheers from the home crowd.
The Netherlands tried to respond with attacking vigor, but Spain’s defense held firm, with Simón making another crucial save in the dying moments. Despite some nervy moments, Spain held on for a 1-0 victory, a result that would prove vital in their quest to qualify for the finals. It was a narrow win, but one that showed Spain’s resilience and tactical maturity, especially with their defensive solidity and counter-attacking potential.
Germany Overcome Italy: A Convincing Display Spain squeeze
The encounter between Germany and Italy was always expected to be a tight one. Both teams, traditional powerhouses in European football, have their sights set on lifting silverware, but recent years have been marked by fluctuating performances. Germany, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, had been improving after their disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, while Italy, led by Roberto Mancini, had returned to the international fold after their shock failure to qualify for the 2022 tournament.
The match at the Allianz Arena was anticipated to be a tactical and closely contested affair, but Germany emerged victorious with a comprehensive 2-0 win that could have been even more convincing. From the very beginning, Germany took control of the ball and looked to assert their dominance. Joshua Kimmich and Ilkay Gündogan were key in midfield, dictating the tempo of the game with their precise passing and work rate.
Germany’s pressing game was relentless, and it paid off in the 28th minute when a mistake in the Italian defense allowed Serge Gnabry to steal the ball. The Bayern Munich forward then had a calm finish to put Germany 1-0 up. Italy’s defense, which had been relatively solid in the early stages, was caught off-guard by the swift turnover, and the goal seemed to deflate their hopes of taking anything from the match.
Italy tried to respond with their own attacking flair, but Germany’s backline, featuring the impressive Antonio Rüdiger and Matthias Ginter, was unyielding. Italy’s star striker, Ciro Immobile, struggled to get into the game, as Germany suffocated the space around him and made it difficult for the Italians to link their play effectively.
In the 63rd minute, Germany doubled their lead. A sublime cross from the left by David Raum was met by Kai Havertz, whose header gave Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma no chance. It was a goal that highlighted Germany’s tactical superiority and the sharpness of their attacking players. Despite a few half-chances for Italy, Germany comfortably managed the rest of the match, controlling possession and never allowing the Italians a route back into the game.
Germany’s 2-0 win was a statement performance, showcasing their attacking intent and defensive stability. The result not only boosted their chances of qualifying for the Nations League finals but also served as a reminder of their pedigree on the international stage. For Italy, it was a disappointing result, but one that they could use as motivation to regroup and find form as they continue to build towards their next international challenges.
Other Key Results Spain squeeze
While the Spain-Netherlands and Germany-Italy matches dominated the headlines, other results in the Nations League had significant implications for the group standings.
- France vs. Croatia: France continued their strong form with a dominant 3-1 victory over Croatia. Kylian Mbappé once again proved his worth with a brace, and the French side’s attacking prowess looked lethal. Croatia, however, showed glimpses of their classic quality but were unable to contain France’s pace and technical ability.
- Portugal vs. Sweden: Portugal secured a narrow 1-0 win over Sweden, thanks to a well-taken goal by Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese team, featuring the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Ruben Dias, proved too much for Sweden, who struggled to break down Portugal’s solid defensive setup.
- England vs. Belgium: England edged past Belgium with a 2-1 win, with Harry Kane once again scoring from the penalty spot. Despite Belgium’s strong attacking setup, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, they were unable to get past England’s defense, and the win handed England a crucial three points in a tight group.
- Scotland vs. Norway: Scotland achieved a surprising 2-0 win over Norway in a high-energy match. Goals from Lyndon Dykes and John McGinn sealed the victory, further cementing Scotland’s rising stature in European football under manager Steve Clarke.
Looking Ahead Spain squeeze
The results of these encounters have set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Nations League group stages. Spain’s win over the Netherlands was crucial in maintaining their position at the top of their group, while Germany’s victory over Italy has propelled them into a strong position as well. Italy, on the other hand, will need to regroup and focus on securing crucial points in their remaining matches to avoid falling behind.
The upcoming fixtures promise even more drama as teams look to secure their spots in the Nations League finals. With several heavyweight clashes still to come, the battle for supremacy in European football will continue to captivate fans across the continent.
Conclusion
As the Nations League progresses, the matches between Spain and the Netherlands, as well as Germany and Italy, have highlighted the competitive nature of this unique tournament. The high level of tactical sophistication, combined with individual brilliance, continues to make the Nations League one of the most exciting international competitions. With every team pushing to secure a spot in the finals, the drama and excitement are far from over, and fans can look forward to more unforgettable moments in the weeks ahead.
