In what was a nervy affair from the De Kuip on Sunday night, Spain were crowned Nations League champions as they clinched a nail-biting penalties victory against Croatia in Rotterdam.
Having to put in a gritty performance against a Croatia squad that were desperate to get their hands on a maiden piece of international silverware, it was eventually Real Madrid veteran Dani Carvajal who chipped home the winner and ended La Roja’s 11-year trophy drought.
While the former world champions might have struggled to find much stability since their infamous World Cup exit over the winter, Spain will now have a real platform to build on.
Picking up a first piece of silverware since their European Championship success in 2012, Luis de la Fuente’s young squad also handed more international heartbreak to a Croatia side that once again fell at the final hurdle.
In what was a cagey showdown from Rotterdam on Sunday night, we have taken a look at the main talking points as Spain were crowned Nations League champions at the De Kuip.
Spain’s new crop has a perfect platform to build on
Coming under even more scrutiny as they suffered Round of 16 World Cup heartbreak at the hands of Morocco over the winter, Spain have found themselves at the heart of an ongoing transition over the past few years.
Likewise, signing off March’s international break with a stunning EURO qualifying 2-0 defeat away at Scotland, the European icons had been desperate to try and find some much-needed stability under De la Fuente.
However, snatching a famous late winner as they punched their Nations League final ticket thanks to a 2-1 victory against reigning European champions Italy earlier in the week, La Roja now have a real platform to build on.
Picking up a first piece of international silverware since 2012 and bedding in youngsters such as Gavi and Pedri, Spain’s young squad have certainly proven that they are still one of world football’s very elite.
Recording back-to-back victories for the first time since they appointed De la Fuente following their World Cup exit, Spain will take a host of positives away from what has been an iconic June international break.
Croatia fall at the final hurdle again
Making more World Cup history out in the Middle East six months ago as they left Qatar with a bronze medal, Croatia have only continued on what has been a historic rise over recent times.
Making a heavyweight statement earlier in the week as they stormed their way to a 4-2 victory against Holland in Rotterdam, Zlatko Dalic’s men returned to De Kuip on Sunday night confident of getting their hands on a maiden piece of international silverware.
However, although the Blazers might have once again gained a string of plaudits following their Nations League romp this year, there is no doubt that Croatia will be reeling from even more international heartbreak.
With many feeling that Dalic’s squad had a golden chance to put the cherry on top of their iconic rise, Croatia will undoubtedly take some time to recover from their latest heartbreak on the major tournament stage.
Despite being backed by plenty of support in Rotterdam, Croatia will still be feeling like they let the opportunity of a lifetime slip through their fingers on Sunday night.
Modric fails to complete his fairytale ending in what could be his final appearance
Having secured back-to-back top-three World Cup finishes, it has been Luka Modric who has continued to be the poster boy of Croatia’s success over the past few years.
While the Blazers might have simply been desperate to get their hands on a maiden piece of international silverware on Sunday night, neutrals from across the globe were hoping that the Real Madrid icon would get the chance to sign off his historic international career.
However, although the ex-Tottenham midfielder might have been the lynchpin behind Croatia’s Nations League romp this year, Modric failed to drag Croatia over the finish line here.
Making his 166th international appearance in Rotterdam and cementing his spot as the most successful player in Croatian history, the former Ballon d’Or winner once again has plenty of speculation regarding his future.
With the 37-year-old announcing that a statement regarding both his international and domestic future will be confirmed this week, Dalic’s side are hopeful that Modric will feature at next year’s European Championships.
Match Report
Croatia: Livakvovic, Juarnaovic, Erlic, Sutalo, Perisic, Modrix, Brozovic, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Subs: Majer, Stanisic, Petkovic, Vlasic
Spain: Simon, Navas, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba, Ruiz, Rodri, Asensio, Gavi, Pino, Morata
Subs: Olmo, Joselu, Fati, Marino, Nacho, Carvajal
Goals: N/A
Yellow Cards: Croatia: Petkovic – Spain: Nacho, Gavi, Rodri
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Felix Zwayer
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
