Spain won the Nations League on penalties

The Iberians defeated Croatia 5-4 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in Rotterdam and added another title to their collection of one World Cup and three European Championship successes. Croatia, World Cup “vice” in 2018 and third in 2022, has to wait for the first big triumph.

In 2021, Spain lost 2-1 to France in the second edition of the Nations League, this time the time had come. This time, however, there was nothing to be seen of the spectacle in the most recent duels between the two teams (5-3 and 6-0 successes for Spain, 3-2 victory for Croatia).

In Spain, Fabian Ruiz and Marco Asensio replaced Mikel Merino and Rodrigo Moreno in midfield and in attack respectively in the semi-finals. In Croatia, only the young Martin Erlic replaced oldie Domagoj Vida in central defence. Old master Luka Modric completed what was perhaps his last game for the “Vatreni”.

Spain were the slightly more dangerous team at the start. First goalie Dominik Livakovic made it exciting with an uncertainty (5th), then Gavi missed the goal from the edge of the penalty area by a hair’s breadth after winning the ball early (12th). However, Spain acted too sluggishly and unimaginative to decisively undermine Croatia’s defence. Only a header by Alvaro Morata over the goal (41st) was worth mentioning.

Croatia became more active as time went on. In the most dangerous action of the third in the World Cup, Andrej Kramaric was alone in front of goalkeeper Unai Simon after a long pass through midfield, Aymeric Laporte cleared from behind at the last second (22nd). Later, Simon had no problem with a header from Ivan Perisic (31′), a direct pass from Marcelo Brozovic found no takers in the orphaned five (36′).

The final picked up speed after the change of sides, but still lacked a lot. Josip Juranovic clearly missed (51′), Mario Pasalic only shook the side netting (61′). Asensio headed just over the target for Spain (57th). In the finish, Spain stepped up their efforts a bit. First Asensio missed from the turn (77th), finally “Joker” Ansu Fati shot Livakovic with the best chance from around 12 meters (84th).

The Spaniards’ final offensive came too late, so extra time was the logical consequence. Dani Olmo, who was also a substitute, missed the best opportunity there, shooting just over the bar from the edge of the penalty area (105′). Croatia saved themselves on penalties, where there was also “extra time” after missed attempts by Lovro Majer and Laporte respectively. Goalie Simon, who had previously saved against Majer, was immediately there against Bruno Petkovic, while Dani Carvajal converted confidently.

Italy had already won a scoring duel for third place. The European champions defeated the hosts, the Netherlands, in Enschede 3-2 (2-0). The Squadra’s success was flattering, but the Oranje team lacked Italy’s efficiency. Federico Dimarco (6th), Davide Frattesi (20th) and Federico Chiesa (72nd) scored for Italy, Steven Bergwijn (68th) and Georginio Wijnaldum (89th) only scored twice.