From Mbappé’s return to two thrilling clashes: Focus on the Nations League quarter-finals

If everyone is rightly focused on the double clash between Belgium and Ukraine, other matches are also worth watching, especially the Nations League quarter-finals.

Of course, there is the much-anticipated return of Kylian Mbappé with the French team against Croatia—an encounter that is starting to feel like a classic. Spectators will also witness two thrilling battles as Italy takes on Germany and the Netherlands faces Spain.

Even Denmark vs. Portugal promises to be an exciting showdown. Here’s everything you need to know about the form of these eight teams before placing your bets on GoldenVegas Sport.

A remake of the 2018 World Cup

It has already been seven years. Every Belgian would have loved to see the Red Devils face Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final. Unfortunately, the French team eliminated our national squad in the semi-finals, and Les Bleus went on to win the most prestigious trophy in the world in Moscow (4-2).

Since then, the two teams have met four times, always in the Nations League, but each encounter still carries a special significance. Even more so this time, as Kylian Mbappé returns to the national team.

Absent from the squad since his move to Real Madrid, the French captain is back in Didier Deschamps’ lineup after declining his call-up in October and subsequently being left out in November.

"We've always been in contact, so we knew why I wasn't there in November," commented the player. "I'm focused on the World Cup. That's what matters to me." In the meantime, the former Parisian will try to shine in the Nations League against Croatia. Will he score against them again, just like in the 2018 final?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends on March 20 at 8:45 PM.

Memphis' Long Journey

Another World Cup final rematch awaits in the quarter-finals, as the Netherlands take on Spain, just like in 2010 in Johannesburg. Since then, Iniesta, the hero of that historic match, has long retired from international football, and none of the players from that era remain on the field.

Now, it's up to the current generation to write a new chapter, and Memphis Depay is eager to be one of the main protagonists. The Dutch forward wouldn't have missed this match for anything, as demonstrated by his incredible effort to join the national team.

Currently playing for Corinthians in Brazil, Depay embarked on a race against time to reach the Oranje squad. On Sunday night, European time, he won the São Paulo championship final before immediately boarding a private jet to ensure his presence at the Netherlands' first training session just 18 hours later.

If he plays both matches against Spain, Depay will reach the milestone of 100 international caps. Will he celebrate in the best way possible by scoring past Alex Remiro?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends on March 20 at 8:45 PM.

Without Retegui, the party must go on

For nostalgic football fans, Italy vs. Germany will bring back memories of the legendary 2006 World Cup semi-final. However, nostalgia isn't a priority for the Azzurri. Luciano Spalletti’s squad is focused on maintaining their strong form, having lost just once in six matches—against France—since their Round of 16 elimination in the last European Championship.

The challenge for Italy is that their coach will have to cope without Mateo Retegui, Serie A’s current top scorer, who is sidelined due to a muscle injury. "Mateo is fatigued. We sent him home as a precaution. For now, I won't call anyone to replace him," explained Spalletti. "I want to see how the first match goes."

The Italian manager hasn’t ruled out bringing in reinforcements if things don’t go as planned. "We’ll evaluate the recoveries of Mattia Zaccagni and Andrea Cambiaso. If we need a center-forward, I'll call up Roberto Piccoli. Otherwise, it'll be Tommaso Baldanzi."

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends on March 20 at 8:45 PM.

Ronaldo is still here

In the final quarter-final match, Denmark faces Portugal. And once again, the Scandinavians will have to deal with Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains part of the national team despite turning 40. "Today, he's not in the squad for what he was, but for what he continues to be: the top scorer with 17 goals in 21 matches over the past two years," said coach Roberto Martinez.

Will the five-time Ballon d'Or winner extend his remarkable career all the way to the 2026 World Cup? "Everything suggests he will. I believe he will make it," assured his teammate João Félix. "He dreams of winning this trophy, and we will do everything to help him achieve that. It's the last one missing from his collection."

Ronaldo has already won the Nations League in 2019, but the Portuguese superstar wouldn't mind adding a second title to his illustrious career. A perfect preparation for his final dance.

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends on March 20 at 8:45 PM.

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