Nations League: Spain Beat Croatia 5-4 On Penalties To Snatch Glory. - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
Publisher (A.M)
June 21, 2023
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon denied Lovro Mayer and Bruno Petkovic from the spot, before Carvajal cheekily chipped home to earn La Roja their first trophy since Euro 2012 and break Croatian hearts.
Zlatko Dalic’s side, runners-up at the World Cup in 2018 and third in 2022, have never won a major trophy and were hoping Nations League success would cap a glittering international career for captain Luka Modric.
The victory is a confidence boost for new Spain coach Luis de la Fuente after heavy criticism in March after a defeat by Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifier. It also avenged their 2021 final defeat by France.
On the pitch Spain made the early running, with Gavi drilling narrowly wide after pressing furiously to win the ball back.
Croatia had the momentum and Ivan Perisic twice tested Simon with headers, which the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper fielded well.
Despite 14 goals in the three preceeding games, the first half finished goalless, just as in the prior two Nations League finals, won by Portugal and France in 2019 and 2021 respectively.