Spain , Portugal secures Quarterfinal Spots in UEFA Nations League with latest wins

 



Spain kept their UEFA Nations League title defense alive by advancing to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Denmark in Group 4 on Friday.


Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 15th minute, completing a well-crafted move involving Ayoze Pérez, who provided a precise assist. Pérez, who had already struck the crossbar earlier, continued to threaten Denmark's defense and forced a fine save from Kasper Schmeichel in the 28th minute.


Spain dominated possession, with midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino controlling the game. Oyarzabal created another opportunity in the 39th minute, delivering a cross for Dani Olmo, whose volley was saved by Schmeichel. Denmark nearly equalized moments later when a deflected shot from Albert Gronbaek went out for a corner.


Pérez doubled Spain’s lead in the 58th minute with a precise left-footed strike after receiving a clever pass from Olmo, marking his second goal in four appearances. With the result nearly secured, coach Luis de la Fuente introduced debutant Marc Casado from Barcelona.


Denmark’s Gustav Isaksen reignited the contest in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Fabian Ruiz, whose careless back pass allowed Isaksen to deflect David Raya’s clearance into the net. Raya later redeemed himself with a critical save from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in stoppage time, preserving Spain’s victory.


Elsewhere in the group, Serbia and Switzerland played to a 1-1 draw.


In Group 1 action, Portugal secured a dominant 5-1 win over Poland, with Rafael Leão, Cristiano Ronaldo (scoring twice), Bruno Fernandes, and Pedro Neto finding the net. Ronaldo's goals ensured Portugal topped the group. Meanwhile, Scotland edged Croatia 1-0 with a late goal from John McGinn.


Other results on Friday included Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win over Belarus, Bulgaria’s 1-0 victory over Luxembourg, and a 1-1 draw between San Marino and Gibraltar. Cyprus defeated Lithuania 2-1, with goals from Grigoris Kastanos and Marinos Tzionis.



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