Holders Spain to face Netherlands in Nations League quarters / Photo: MIGUEL RIOPA - AFP
Holders Spain to face Netherlands in Nations League quarters
European champions Spain will play the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Nations League, while Friday's draw pitted Germany against Italy in another last-eight clash.
Spain won the last edition of the Nations League after beating Croatia on penalties in the final. They also finished runners-up in the 2020-21 tournament.
In the other quarter-finals, France take on Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final and Portugal go up against Denmark.
The winners of the Spain-Netherlands tie will advance to a semi-final against either France or Croatia. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal could await Germany or Italy in the other last-four encounter.
Portugal won the inaugural edition in 2019 before France won the title two years later.
The quarter-final ties will be played over two legs from March 20-23 next year. The semi-finals are scheduled for June 4-5 with the final set for June 8 at a venue yet to be decided.
Belgium must beat Ukraine in their play-off to stay in League A, while Scotland take on Euro 2004 champions Greece. The other League A/B play-offs are Turkey against Hungary, and Austria facing Serbia.
The Republic of Ireland will play Bulgaria in their attempt to remain in League B.
V.Barbieri--IM
