UEFA Nations League wrap: Croatia stun France, late drama rescues Spain

From Croatia's commanding upset over France to Spain's dramatic fightback against a depleted Netherlands, the first legs set the stage for thrilling returns this Sunday.

Here's how the action unfolded.

Croatia 2-0 France: Hosts Surge Ahead

Croatia turned the tables on France with a 2-0 win in Split, shaking off an early missed penalty by Andrej Kramaric,saved brilliantly by Mike Maignan. The hosts struck through Ante Budimir's header off Ivan Perisic's cross, then Perisic fired in a stunner before half-time. Dominik Livakovic's heroics, including a late fingertip save from Kylian Mbappe, sealed a famous victory for the 2023 runners-up against the 2021 champions.

Denmark 1-0 Portugal: Hojlund Strikes Late

Denmark edged Portugal 1-0 in Copenhagen, thanks to substitute Rasmus Hojlund's 78th-minute winner. The hosts dominated a pulsating first half, with Diogo Costa denying Christian Eriksen's penalty and Kasper Schmeichel thwarting Pedro Neto. Andreas Skov Olsen's low cross found Hojlund to nick the decisive goal, giving the Danes a slender lead heading to Lisbon.

Netherlands 2-2 Spain: Merino's Late Heroics

Spain's reign as Nations League holders stays alive after Mikel Merino's stoppage-time equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw in Rotterdam. The Netherlands led through Tijjani Reijnders' fine finish, despite Nico Williams' opener for Spain and Cody Gakpo's leveller. Jorrel Hato's red card tilted the game, and Merino pounced on a Bart Verbruggen spill to keep Spain's 22-game competitive unbeaten streak intact.

Italy 1-2 Germany: Kimmich Inspires Comeback

Germany fought back from a goal down to beat Italy 2-1 in Milan, with Joshua Kimmich pulling the strings. Sandro Tonali's early curler gave Italy the lead, but the Azzurri couldn't capitalise. Kimmich's second-half crosses found Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka for headers, flipping the script. Oliver Baumann's late saves from Giacomo Raspadori and Daniel Maldini secured Germany's edge for Dortmund.

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