Mikel Merino snatches draw for Spain as France are shocked by Croatia

Arsenal’s Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time equaliser as European champions Spain snatched a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their Nations League quarter-final first leg.

Spain struck early in Thursday’s encounter in Rotterdam through Nico Williams but the hosts quickly responded as Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo found the net.

France face a tough task to retrieve their last-eight tie after going down 2-0 to Croatia in Split.

Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic both scored in the first half after Andrej Kramaric had missed an early penalty for the hosts.

Germany claimed the advantage against Italy after coming from behind to win 2-1 in Milan.

Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for the Italians after nine minutes but Tim Kleindienst headed Germany level four minutes after the break. A header from Leon Goretzka secured the win 14 minutes from time.

In the play-off first legs, Scotland boosted their hopes of retaining a place in League A as Scott McTominay’s first-half penalty earned them a 1-0 win in Greece.

Belgium are facing the prospect of dropping into League B after conceding three times in the second half to lose 3-1 to Ukraine in Murcia.

Turkey beat Hungary 3-1, while Austria and Serbia drew 1-1.

The Republic of Ireland will be hopeful of maintaining their spot in League B after coming from behind to win 2-1 in Bulgaria with goals from Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty.

Kosovo beat Iceland 2-1 while Georgia ran out 3-0 winners in Armenia. Slovakia and Slovenia have everything still to play for after a goalless draw.