Germany Defeats Italy in Thrilling Match, Draws in Rotterdam; Samardžić’s Brilliance Rescues Serbia
With two assists from Joshua Kimmich, Germany staged a comeback against Italy in Milan, achieving their desired result.
The “Elf” triumphed over Italy in the first leg of the Nations League play-offs, winning 2:1. Based on their performance at “San Siro,” they are strong contenders for a spot in the final tournament of the UEFA competition.
Italy initially took the lead with a goal from Sandra Tonalija in the 9th minute, but Julian Nagelsmann’s side managed to turn the match around.
Kimmich delivered a cross in the 49th minute, setting up substitute Tim Kleindenstu, who tested Gianluigi Donnarumma with a header. The game was effectively decided in the 76th minute.
The Bayern midfielder took a corner kick, leading to Leon Gorecka’s header finding the back of the net after hitting the front post, putting the “azure” team ahead.
No winner emerged from the match in Rotterdam, where the Netherlands and reigning European champions Spain played to a 2:2 draw.
The “Red Fury” struck first, taking the lead in the 9th minute through Nick Williams, only for Gakpo to equalize in the 28th minute.
In the second half, the home side pulled ahead 2:1 thanks to a goal from Tijani Reynders. However, the second leg in Valencia remains wide open after Mikel Merino scored in the third minute of stoppage time.
Denmark secured a 1:0 victory over Portugal at Parken, with Rasmus Heylund scoring the lone goal. Notably, Christian Eriksen missed a penalty at the very start of the match.
Meanwhile, in the playoff for the A Nations League, Austria and Serbia played to a 1:1 draw in Vienna.
Austria surged ahead for more than 60 minutes via a well-placed goal from Mihael Gregorić, but the “Eagles” equalized impressively with Lazar Samardžić’s stunning strike from around 25 meters.
Close behind in the A League is Turkey, which bested Hungary 3:1 earlier in the day in Istanbul, along with Ukraine, who similarly overturned a match against Belgium with the same scoreline in Murcia.
In Piraeus, Scotland edged out Greece 1:0 with a penalty strike from Scott McTominay.
The second legs are scheduled for Sunday.
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