Spain became the third nation to lift the UEFA Nations League trophy, defeating a dogged Croatia side on penalties in Rotterdam to end an 11-year wait for major silverware.Having lost the previous edition of the Nations League final in 2019 to France, Spain were looking to go one better this time around, aiming to deny Croatia’s golden generation possibly their last chance at claiming major silverware. The Iberian side looked to have their opponents somewhat rattled early on, pressing high and almost forcing an opener when Gavi stole the ball before dragging his effort wide. Yet, at the midway stage of the first half, Croatia’s Andrej Kramarić was perhaps the man who had come closest to finding the net, racing in behind the Spain backline only to be denied a shot at goal by a sliding challenge. No first-half final goals had been scored in the Nations League’s short history, and that trend continued here during an evenly-contested first period.🏆 1964 Euros🏆 2008 Euros🏆 2010 World Cup🏆 2012 Euros🏆 22/23 Nations LeagueSpain win their fifth senior international tournament. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/HyBaHttN84— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) June 18, 2023 An intriguing battle between two former wingers now plying their trade at full-back was developing as Ivan Perišić came up against Jesús Navas, with Zlatko Dalić’s side increasingly funneling their attacks down this flank. A dangerous cross from Perišić caused havoc at one end before Marco Asensio’s looping header threatened at the other, with the contest remaining finely balanced as the clock ticked past the hour mark. Alterations from both managers sought to shake things up, but after substitute Ansu Fati’s darting run drew Dominik Livaković off his line, Fabián Ruiz was unable to direct his lobbed effort goalwards. With the 90th minute fast approaching, Fati must have thought he’d slid in the winner from close range, yet Perišić’s immaculate goal-line positioning denied Spain from their first shot on target.After 4 vs Croatia, Van Dijk and crew concede 3 to Italy to finish fourthA total of 19 goals had been scored across the three previous head-to-head encounters, but a goalless regulation period forced this contest into extra time. Although clear-cut chances remained scarce, Mateo Kovačić’s marauding midfield run nearly opened Spain up, however, a last-ditch intervention from Nacho prevented Lovro Majer from finishing the move with an elusive goal. Despite a late Spanish flurry, a penalty shootout was ultimately required with Croatian fans knowing their side had emerged victorious in four of four since 2018.Croatia go to ET for the eighth time in their last 11 knockouts:2018 World Cup▪️ Ro16 vs. Denmark▪️ QF vs. Russia▪️ SF vs. EnglandEuro 2020▪️ Ro16 vs. Spain2022 World Cup▪️ Ro16 vs. Japan▪️ QF vs. Brazil2023 Nations League▪️ SF vs. Netherlands▪️ Final vs. Spain pic.twitter.com/LDP8Zwv4hx— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 18, 2023 After 12 spot-kicks and two Unai Simón stops, Dani Carvajal buried the decisive penalty with a nerveless Panenka to condemn Croatia to a second major final defeat in the last five years. At 34 years of age, Barcelona icon Jordi Alba lifts his first international trophy as captain of La Furia Roja while manager Luis de la Fuente oversees Nations League glory in just his fourth game in charge.Carvajal with the winning penalty to give Spain the Nations League! 🏆pic.twitter.com/4TTqARA0es— FootballMatrix (@FootbaIlMatrix) June 18, 2023 UEFA NATIONS LEAGUEBronze-medal gameNetherlands – Italy 2-3 (2-0)/Bergwijn 68, Wijnaldum 89 – Dimarco 6, Frattesi 20, Chiesa 72/FinalCroatia – Spain 0-0 (0-0)/Spain win on penalties 5-4/
