UEFA Nations League Matchday 6 Monday Round-Up: Croatia and Denmark Complete Quarter-Final Line-Up**
The 2022-23 UEFA Nations League reached its thrilling conclusion on Monday night with Croatia and Denmark securing their places in the quarter-finals, rounding off the final spots for the upcoming knockout stages.
In a night of high stakes and intense action, both nations delivered crucial victories to seal their progression, leaving fans and pundits alike eagerly awaiting the next chapter of the competition. Here’s a recap of how the night unfolded.
Croatia 1-0 Austria: A Dramatic Qualification
Croatia sealed their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a narrow but vital 1-0 win over Austria in Split. With both teams in the hunt for qualification, it was a must-win game for the hosts.
The match was tight and tense throughout, but Croatia's quality in the final third ultimately made the difference. The lone goal came in the 24th minute, with Ivan Perišić delivering a perfectly timed cross into the box. Josip Juranović, the Celtic full-back, rose above the Austrian defenders to head home, putting Croatia in front.
Despite a spirited effort from Austria in the second half, which saw a flurry of chances, including a header from Christoph Baumgartner that narrowly missed the target, Croatia held firm defensively. The visitors couldn’t break down the Croatian backline, with goalkeeper Dominik Livaković pulling off a crucial save to deny Austria in the dying minutes.
The victory secured Croatia’s place at the top of Group A1, with 13 points from 6 matches, leaving Austria in third place. Croatia’s qualification to the quarter-finals reaffirms their strength as one of Europe’s top footballing nations, following their World Cup success in Qatar just months earlier.
Denmark 2-1 France: A Hard-Fought Victory
Denmark's qualification was also hard-fought but well-deserved, as they overcame the reigning World Cup champions, France, 2-1 in Copenhagen. The result ensured the Danes would finish in second place in Group A1, edging out Austria by a single point.
The match was a back-and-forth encounter, with both teams having their moments. Denmark took the lead in the 33rd minute when an excellent delivery from Christian Eriksen found the head of Andreas Cornelius, who powered his header past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
France responded quickly, equalizing just 10 minutes later through a stunning strike by Kylian Mbappé. The French forward collected a pass from Antoine Griezmann and fired a low shot from outside the box that left Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with no chance.
However, Denmark's resilience paid off late in the game. In the 83rd minute, a well-timed run and cross from Mikkel Damsgaard found the feet of the ever-dangerous Rasmus Højlund, who slotted home the winning goal, sending the crowd at Parken Stadium into ecstasy.
Despite France's efforts to salvage a draw in the final moments, Denmark held firm, and the 2-1 scoreline stood as the final whistle blew. The victory propelled Denmark to 12 points, just one behind Croatia, securing their place in the quarter-finals and ensuring that they will be one of the teams to watch when the competition intensifies.
Quarter-Finalists Confirmed
With the conclusion of Matchday 6, the final standings in Group A1 saw Croatia top the table with 13 points, followed by Denmark with 12 points. France, despite their spirited performance, ended in third with 5 points, while Austria finished last with 4 points.
Croatia and Denmark join the already qualified nations — Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands — in the Nations League quarter-finals. With only the best teams remaining, the competition is set to deliver exciting football and high drama as the knockout stages approach.
What’s Next?
The Nations League quarter-finals will take place in March 2024, with the four group winners from the A League (Croatia, Denmark, Spain, and Portugal) set to face off against each other for a place in the semi-finals. The two best-placed runners-up will also earn a chance to compete in the playoffs for a spot in the final four.
As the competition intensifies, Croatia and Denmark’s impressive form is sure to make them serious contenders for the trophy, while France and Austria will now turn their attention to the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, where they will look to build on their Nations League performances.
For now, football fans around Europe will have to wait eagerly for the next round of Nations League action, as the road to the final continues to heat up.
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