Preview of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals: Portugal aims to stage a comeback against Germany and hopes for a double win[yuyi]

At 0:00 am on March 24th, Beijing time, the second leg of the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League kicked off, with several high-stakes matches continuing. Can the three powerhouses of France, Portugal and Germany, who were behind in the first leg, stage a comeback against the odds? Will there be extra time or even a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals? Who can break through and advance to the semi-finals first? According to the latest odds for advancement, Germany has the most obvious advantage. Portugal and Denmark are likely to battle it out into extra time in the second leg.

Mbappe has performed poorly and France may be eliminated by a narrow margin in the second leg

The quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League witnessed a 2018 World Cup final match between France and Croatia. In the first half of the first leg, Maignan saved Kramaric's penalty. Then, in the 26th minute, Perisic assisted Budimir to score with a header. In injury time, Perisic performed a volley again. Eventually, Croatia won 2-0 against France, causing quite a stir. Mbappe, who is valued at 160 million, had a disappointing performance in this match. He lost possession of the ball 21 times throughout the game and missed many good chances. His overall performance was lackluster.

According to the data released by the institutions, the odds of France advancing are 1 to 2.5, and those of Croatia advancing are 1 to 1.5. It is evident that it will not be easy for the Gallic Rooster, playing at home, to stage a comeback. In the odds of the second leg, the odds of a 0-0 draw between the two sides and a 1-0 narrow win for France are the lowest. It seems that France will miss out on advancing to the semi-finals.

Portugal is likely to fight until extra time at home with the aim of reversing the situation and turning the tables

In the group stage of the UEFA Nations League, Portugal remained unbeaten with 4 wins and 2 draws, securing the top spot and advancing. However, in the first leg of the knockout stage, Portugal faced a test. Although Portuguese goalkeeper Costa saved Eriksen's penalty in the first half, the 8-23 shot ratio throughout the game also reflected the gap between the two teams in attack. Ultimately, with a goal from substitute Hojlen, Denmark took the lead in advancing 1-0 at home, handing the latter their first defeat in the UEFA Nations League this season.

The total value of the starting 11 players of Portugal is as high as 517 million euros, while that of Denmark is only 171 million euros. In the first leg of their encounter, Portugal had a 56% possession rate throughout the game, but only two of their eight shots were on target, failing to create any excellent scoring opportunities. After this match, Portugal's passing and control tactics were questioned. Facing Denmark's high-pressure pressing, they found it very difficult to pose a threat. However, the data still offers significant support to Portugal. The odds for a 1-0 win and a 2-0 win are the lowest. In addition, Portugal's odds of advancing are 1 to 1.8, and Denmark's odds of advancing are 1 to 1.9. Judging from the 50-50 data, the game may be dragged into extra time.

Germany has a clear advantage in advancing and is expected to double up on Italy

In the first leg, Italy got off to a dream start. In the 8th minute of the first half, Tonali scored with a quick push shot. In the 48th minute, Kimmich assisted Leindingst to score with a header to equalize the score. In the 75th minute, Kimmich assisted Goretzka to score with a header to take the lead. Eventually, Germany reversed the score and won 2-1 away against Italy. Kimmich provided two assists. After his return from injury, he quickly found his form. With his versatility in both attack and defense, he significantly enhanced the control of the German midfield.

Italy was reversed by Germany, and their defense on set pieces has once again come under criticism. Under Spalletti's coaching, Italy's low-post defense has exposed many problems. The opponents can easily get the ball in the midfield and still have time and space to handle it. In the last six official matches against the German war machine, Italy has only won once and does not have a psychological advantage. It is no easy feat for the Azzurri to stage a comeback against the odds away from home. The latest odds for advancement are as follows: Germany, which holds an advantage, advances at 1 to 1.11, while Italy advances at 1 to 6.5. In terms of the score, Germany has the lowest odds of winning 1-0 and is expected to advance by defeating Italy in both legs.

Spain is expected to continue its 17-game unbeaten run with a significant home advantage

Before the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League, Spain had achieved an unbeaten record of 14 wins and 2 draws, demonstrating an extremely stable form. Just 9 minutes into the game, Nico Williams scored with a solo effort, giving Spain the lead. Soon after, Gakpo equalized with a low shot from the penalty area. In the second half, Reingdes helped the Netherlands take the lead 2-1. In the 81st minute, Dutch defender Hato was sent off with a red card for a sliding tackle on Le Normang. In injury time, Merino, who came on as a substitute, scored the equalizing goal, helping Spain come out unscathed. The Matador Army extended their unbeaten run to 17 games.

According to the odds offered by relevant institutions, the lowest odds are for a 1-1 draw between the two sides, followed by a 1-0, 2-0 and 2-1 win for Spain. As the only two teams that drew in the first leg, Spain, returning home, still held the upper hand when facing extra time or penalties. Judging from the odds of advancement, the odds for Spain to advance are 1 to 1.33, and for the Netherlands, they are 1 to 3.25. Spain is expected to remain undefeated thanks to its home advantage.