Spain Clinch First Nations League Title
19 June, 2023
Spain have clinched their first UEFA Nations League title after defeating Croatia 5-4 on penalties in the final on Sunday night.
UEFA Nations League Final
Result: Croatia 0 (4)- (5) 0 Spain
Date: 18 June 2023
Venue: Stadion Feijenoord
La Roja made two changes from the win over Italy, as Fabian Ruiz and Marco Asensio replaced Mikel Merino and Rodrigo, while Croatia recalled Martin Erlic in place of Domagoj Vida.
La Roja made their intentions clear early on, as Ruiz forced goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic into a save on ten minutes before Gavi went just wide with a strike from the edge of the box.
Croatia had to wait until the 23rd minuet for their clear-cut opening after Andrej Kramaric burst through on goal, but the striker took too long and allowed Aymeric Laporte to make a last ditch block. The Croatians managed to carve out another opening on 39 minutes when captain Luka Modric picked out Ivan Perisic, who saw his header saved by Spain shot-stopper Unai Simon.
The second half continued in similar fashion to the first, with Spain carving out the first opening on 56 minutes as Jordi Alba raced to the byline before picking out Asensio, who rose well but sent his header over the crossbar.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic opted for his first change after the hour mark, as Mario Pašalic made way for Bruno Petkovic, while Spain threw on Thursday's match-winner Joselu and Ansu Fati minutes later.
Spain's changes nearly paid off as they went close to snatching the lead in the 84th minute when Alba's low pass found Fati, who took one touch before firing at goal, but Perisic was on hand to clear the ball off the line.
Both nations pushed a for winning goal in the closing stages, with Morata going closest in second-half stoppage time, but neither could find the breakthrough and were forced to play another 30 minutes.
The 2010 World Cup winners dominated in extra-time as they went in search of a winning goal, but Croatia were happy to sit back and defend to take the game to a penalty shoot-out.
However, it was Spain who kept their nerve in the shoot-out to triumph 5-4, with Dani Carvajal converting the winning spot-kick to secure their first Nations League title.
Source: www.snl24.com
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