Nations League Final: Croatia 0 - 0 Spain (Spain win 5-4 on penalties)

Spain became the third winners of the UEFA Nations League as they overcame Croatia on penalties in a tense encounter in Rotterdam’s de Kuip stadium.

They saw plenty of the ball in the game but failed to test Dominik Livakovic enough during the game. When it came down to it, they prevailed in the pressure of the shoot-out.  

It is yet another tough defeat in a major tournament for the Balkan country. They maintained a high level of energy throughout, and created plenty of chances, but just failed to find the killer touch. The question of how many more games their senior players will make before they ultimately retire will be brought up again.

It was the Spaniards who started the brighter of the two sides. Jordi Alba had a deflected shot from distance which was held by Livakovic. The Croatian goalkeeper almost spoiled his good work moments later when he fumbled a cross by Fabian Ruiz onto his own post before he denied Alvaro Morata on the rebound.

Marcelo Brozovic was too slow in possession just outside his own area and was robbed by Gavi before his shot went just past the post.

Croatia were struggling to get a foothold in the game but almost found a way through via a long ball over the top. It landed into the path of Andrej Kramaric who looked set to have a shot away only for Aymeric Laporte to produce an excellent last ditch tackle.

The striker then slid in to try and connect to a low cross but he was denied by Robin le Normand on this occasion.

Spain were now the side not making headway as their opponents grew in confidence. Luka Modric twice seemed use the pace and physicality against Jesus Navas. Two crosses played to the back post almost brought a reward as the Croatian beat his marker to get his header on target. Simon dealt with them though.

The miscommunication in the Spanish side was exemplified with a wasted free kick in a dangerous position just before the break.

Croatia did not let up as the second half began. Perisic was a willing runner out left and he chipped in a dangerous cross that Simon could only touch away. It came out to Josip Juranovic who slashed it across the goal and out. He then combined with Modric who spread it out wide to Juranovic.

He squared it back inside but Modric and Kramaric both got in each other’s way and the chance came to nothing.

Spain were starting to gain a degree of joy as the effort was taking its toil on their opponents. Alba made some room out wide before sending in a dangerous cross that was met by the header of Asensio which went just over the bar. Gavi may have been the better option just behind him.

Rodri then fired a warning shot across the bow when his effort from outside the area whistled just wide.

Both sides elected to empty their bench and it was a Spanish substitute almost provided the breakthrough. They kept the ball in the Croatian half and the ball came to the unmarked Ansu Fati. He prodded the ball goalwards only to see Ivan Perisic to hack it off the line.

Navas then played the ball forward to Asensio who was caught in two minds as to shoot or pass and ended up just flashing the ball across the goal.

We had extra-time and Croatia threatened yet again. Mateo Kovacic burst through the midfield to slid a ball through for Lovro Majer. Nacho just got back with an excellent recovery tackle to deny the substitute. At the other end, Dani Olmo showed a lack of composure when he skied over a chance that came back out to him after a shot was blocked.

And so to penalties. The first six were all slotted home before Majer was the first to miss. Laporte could have won it only for him hitting the woodwork. Sudden death loomed and Bruno Petkovic blinked first. It was then left to Dani Carvajal to land the winning kick.

A scene of celebration for the Spanish team as they saw their first trophy since Euro 2012. It was misery for the huge congregation of red and white in the Rotterdam crowd.

It is a long wait until they are both in competitive action again. On September 8^th, Spain travel to Georgia to get their Group A campaign back on track whilst Croatia face up to Latvia at home.

Croatia: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Juranovic, Martin Erlic, Josip Sutalo, Ivan Perisic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric; Mario Pasalic (Bruno Petkovic 61), Andrej Kramaric (Lovro Majer 90+1), Luka Ivanusec (Nikola Vlasic 78)
Subs not used: Josip Stanisic, Borna Barisic, Nediljko Labrovic, Petar Musa, Borna Sosa, Dion Beljo, Domagoj Vida, Ivica Ivusic
Booked: Bruno Petkovic (90+2),

Spain: Unai Simon, Jesus Navas (Dani Carvajal 97), Robin le Normand (Nacho 78), Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz (Mikel Merino 78), Marco Asensio, Gavi (Dani Olmo 87), Yeremy Pino (Ansu Fati 66), Alvaro Morata (Joselu 66).
Subs not used: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubemendi, Sergio Canales, David Raya, Fran Garcia, Rodrigo,
Booked: Gavi (80), Nacho (96), Rodri (97),

Referee: Felix Zwayer.
extratime.com Player of the Match: Ivan Perisic (Croatia)

Kenny accepts criticism but bristles at ‘shambolic’ comment on results for Boys in Green https://t.co/DlCoLSMqL2pic.twitter.com/JH0pNNeeP3

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