Spain beat Croatia to win Nations League in penalty shootout
Spain beat Croatia to win the UEFA Nations League as they end their 11-year trophy drought.
Croatia suffers another heartbreak and are still waiting for their first International trophy. Unai Simon saved two penalties in the shootout to give his nation the victory.
The Bilbao keeper first saved the penalty of Lovro Majer when the shootout was level on 3-3 and later saved Bruno Petkovic’s penalty.
After Laporte missed his chance to seal the victory, Carvajal stepped up and converted his penalty with a Panenka chip to seal the victory.
Spain coach Luis De La Fuente praised Dani Carvajal after the win. He said, “He has a fantastic personality, and that’s the way he decided to take it. We have total confidence in his ability to take penalties.”
Spain beat Croatia to win Nations League and end their 11-year trophy drought
La Roja’s golden generation won major titles in 4-year span (2008-2012). They have now won the World Cup 2010, European Championship 1964, 2008, 2012 and UEFA Nations League 2023.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri was pivotal for his nation. He has also secured his fourth trophy of the season, after winning a historic treble with Man City.
Spain were unable to take a shot on target until the 84th-minute mark. Substitute Ansu Fati had a clear chance to score a goal, but it was cleared off the line by Ivan Perisic. Spain only had one attempt at goal compared to Croatia’s five.
Will Luka Modric play next year’s European Championship?
Croatia had a chance in the extra-time, when Majer was challenged by Nacho in the box. However, the referee waved off Croatia’s appeal for a penalty.
The runners-up also finished second in the 2018 World Cup and third last year in Qatar. Their captain Luka Modric will still have to wait for an International trophy.
Whether Modric will play in the European Championship next year or not, remains to be seen.
