‘Unstoppable’ Spain defeats Croatia to sweep all major European tournaments.
Spain won the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League final after a penalty shootout against Croatia at the Stadion Feyenoord in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on Monday (June 19).
With the victory, Spain has now won all of Europe’s major trophies for national teams, including the World Cup, Euros, and Nations League.
Croatia, in what was Luka Modric’s second trophy with the national team, had to settle for runner-up honors at the tournament’s final, following the 2018 World Cup in Russia.메이저사이트
Qualifying as the home team, Croatia lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Ivan Perisic, Martin Erlich, Josip Sutalo, and Josip Juranovic made up the defense, with Dominic Ribakovic in goal.
Matteo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Luka Modric held down the midfield, while Luca Ivanusevic, Andrej Kramaric, and Mario Pasalic were up front.
Spain, who qualified as the away team, lined up in a 4-2-3-1. Jordi Alba, Aymeric Laporte, Robin Le Normand, and Jesus Navas formed the defense, with Unai Simone in goal.
Fabian Luis and Rodri protected the defense, with Jeremy Pino, Gabi, and Marco Asensio in the second line and Alvaro Morata up front.
The game did not end in regulation time. Goalkeepers from both teams made saves to keep the game scoreless. Decisiveness was also lacking from both teams in the second half.
In the 38th minute of the second half, Perisic saved a crucial shot from Ansu Pati in front of the goal.
With neither team able to find the back of the net in the extra time, the match went to penalty kicks.
With both teams converting their third kickers in the shootout, Spain took the lead when Croatia’s fourth kicker, Mayer, had his shot blocked by Unai Simon and Asensio converted.
Perisic converted one and Spain’s Laporte hit the crossbar to level the score.
Croatia’s number six Petkovic’s kick was also saved by Unai Simone to give Spain the lead again, before final kicker Dani Carvajal converted a panenka kick to take the trophy.