Spain Crowned UEFA Nations League Champions
Croatia Hold Spain to Draw in Tense Final
Spain Emerge Victorious in Thrilling Penalty Shootout
In a captivating clash at Rotterdam's De Kuip stadium, Croatia and Spain played out a gripping UEFA Nations League final that went down to the wire. Despite a pulsating 90 minutes that ended goalless, Spain ultimately prevailed with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory.
Spain's dominant start was met with staunch Croatian resistance, but they carved out a golden opportunity in the second half. Nico Williams's pacey run down the right flank culminated in a pinpoint cross that found Borja Iglesias, whose header was brilliantly saved by Dominik Livaković.
Croatia nearly snatched a late winner when Josko Gvardiol's powerful header was cleared off the line by Aymeric Laporte. As the match headed into extra time, both teams pushed for a breakthrough, but the stalemate remained.
In the penalty shootout, Spain's Unai Simón made a crucial save from Lovro Majer's spot-kick. Dani Carvajal then coolly chipped the ball over Livaković to secure the trophy for Spain. It marked the nation's second UEFA Nations League title, following their triumph in 2021.
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