UEFA Nations League: Spain Edges Past Croatia, England Cruises Against Czechia
Spain came from behind to grab a late 2-1 victory against Croatia on Tuesday, consolidating their position at the top of their UEFA Nations League group.
Coming off the back of a humiliating 7-0 defeat to England on Saturday, Croatia entered the match determined to salvage some pride and give their home fans in Split something to cheer about.
Spain was made to suffer during the opening exchanges, and the Croatians’ early pressure paid off when veteran Ivan Perišić fired them into the lead in the 18th minute.
However, the reigning World and European champions dug deep. After struggling to find their rhythm for large portions of the match, La Roja were rewarded in the 63rd minute when substitute Mikel Merino netted an equalizer, assisted by Dani Olmo.
Croatia’s hopes of holding on for a point took a massive blow when Perišić was dismissed for a second yellow card. Spain capitalised on the man advantage in the 88th minute, as Merino turned match-winner by bagging his second of the night following a Martin Zubimendi assist.
The hard-fought win ensures Spain remains comfortably atop League A, Group 3, with a perfect 12 points from four matches.
England were the group’s other big winners on Tuesday, maintaining their explosive form with a comfortable 3-0 win over the Czech Republic at Wembley. The Three Lions have now scored an incredible 10 goals across their last two games under Thomas Tuchel, though they remain three points behind Spain in second place with 9 points.
Elsewhere across the Nations League divisions, Scotland suffered a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Slovenia. Meanwhile, Switzerland made light work of North Macedonia with a 3-0 victory, keeping them on track at the top of their respective standings with 12 points.
In other results around Europe, Albania edged San Marino 2-1, Belarus claimed a 2-1 win against Finland, Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, and Slovakia put on a dominant away display to beat Moldova 4-0.
Finally, Estonia and Iceland fought out a barren, goalless draw, while Luxembourg fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Bulgaria.
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