In a pulsating evening of European football, both Spain and France booked their spots in the UEFA Nations League semifinals after nerve-shredding quarter-final second-leg clashes ended in penalty shootouts on Sunday.

Reigning European champions Spain overcame the Netherlands in dramatic fashion, winning 5-4 on penalties after a breathtaking 3-3 draw in Valencia. Following a 2-2 stalemate in the first leg, the tie remained delicately poised.

Spain drew first blood when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot after being brought down in the area. The Dutch struck back early in the second half, Memphis Depay equalising with a penalty of his own.

The hosts regained the lead in the 67th minute, as Oyarzabal netted his second following a dazzling run by Nico Williams, but the drama was far from over. Ian Maatsen unleashed a thunderbolt with 11 minutes to go, dragging the Dutch level once more.

Extra time delivered even more twists. Teen prodigy Lamine Yamal danced past defenders and curled a stunning strike into the corner, sending Spanish fans into raptures. But Spain's joy was short-lived—Unai Simon fouled Xavi Simons, who then coolly converted to make it 3-3 once again.

In the shootout, Spain held their nerve, with Pedri firing home the decisive penalty after Simon redeemed himself by saving from Donyell Malen.

"We're Spain and we don't have to fear anyone," said Pedri, looking ahead to the semi-final showdown with France on June 5 in Stuttgart.

In Paris, France showed grit and class to fight back from two goals down and oust Croatia on penalties, after a 2-2 aggregate draw was settled by a 5-4 shootout win.

Trailing from the first leg, Michael Olise ignited the comeback with a stunning free-kick early in the second half. Soon after, he turned provider as Ousmane Dembele swept in his cutback to level the tie.

There was high drama in the shootout too—Theo Hernandez squandered the chance to win it for France, but goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerged as the star. The Milan shot-stopper saved twice and watched another Croatian effort sail over, becoming the first French keeper to win two international shootouts.

"We know that with Mike, we start a shootout with an advantage," said captain Kylian Mbappé.
"He makes a difference."

Maignan, benched in France's 2022 World Cup final loss to Argentina, finally had his moment.

"It's all about the mind," Maignan explained. "You have to get into the shooter's head."

With both teams tested to their limits, Spain and France will now meet in what promises to be an electric semi-final clash in Stuttgart on June 5, with a place in the Nations League final at stake.