Spain breaks 11-year drought to win Nations League on penalties

Rotterdam

The game ended in a 0-0 draw in regulation and extra time and the title had to be disputed in direct free kicks.

It was dramatic, but Spain finally managed to get out of the queue of 11 years without winning titles. This Sunday, the Spanish team defeated Croatia by 5-4 on penalties, after a 0-0 draw in normal time and extra time, at the De Kuip Stadium, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and became champion of the League of Nations. On the other hand, the Croatian team continues without raising mugs in its history.

The first stage was well balanced. In the beginning, the Spaniards were the ones to attack the most. Nine minutes into the match, Fabián Ruiz took a long shot and almost saw Livakovic fail. The goalkeeper tried to grab it, but he got tangled up and the ball stopped on the crossbar.

Afterwards, Gavi took a risk from the edge of the area and took paint off the crossbar. Already at 26, Rodri appeared alone after crossing and tested hard. Halfway through, the ball deflected off Morata and went over.

From then on, the Croats got better. Perisic was triggered in the area and headed into the corner for Unai Simón’s save. Moments later, Brozovic made a beautiful play on the left and crossed the ball. The ball passed in front of the goal and nobody arrived to complete it. Already at 38, Perisic tried again for the top, but stopped again in the goalkeeper.

2nd time

On the way back from the break, Croatia continued to scare. With five minutes, Perisic passed by Jesús Navas and cross closed. On the other side, Juranovic arrived hitting crossed out.

Spain responded moments later. Asensio took advantage of Alba’s cross and dangerously headed over the top. At 30 minutes, Livakovic was forced to leave the goal to cut, but ended up sending Fabián Ruiz to the feet, who took a risk from afar and almost scored a great goal.

Eight minutes later, the Spaniards had a golden chance to score. Ansu Fati received the penalty spot alone and hit low. On top of the line, Perisic appeared to pull away. Thus, the game went into overtime.

Extra time

In overtime, Spain tried to exert pressure, but found it difficult to find spaces in the strong Croatian defense.

The best chance came at 10 of the complementary stage. Rodri took a risk from the outside and Sutalo swerved midway. The ball hit Livakovic’s counter-foot, but it went off the bottom line.

Penalty shootout

In terms of penalties, who did better was Spain. Joselu, Rodri, Merino, Asensio and Carvajal made it, while Laporte lost. On the other side, Vlasic, Brozovic, Modric and Perisic even did, but Majer and Petkovic lost and gave the title to the Spaniards.

*With information from Gazeta Esportiva

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