18th June, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Spain beat Croatia 5-4 on penalty shootouts to win their first UEFA Nations League trophy on Sunday at De Kuip stadium in Roterdam.
The match ended goalless on duration, which necessitated an extra-time, which did not produce a goal.
Spain converted five of their six penalties while Croatia converted four.
Earlier on 31st minute, Ivan Perisic rose above the defenders and placed a towering header towards the bottom left corner, but Unai Simon was prepared and dived to thwart him.
Rodri, on 65th minute unleashed a long-range shot. Despite hitting it very well, it scorched inches wide of the left post.
Ansu Fati, on 84th minute received a neat pass inside the box and instantly thumped the ball goalward, but a defender made a last ditch block to deny him.
On extra-time, Dani Olmo reacted well to latch onto a rebound inside the box, but his shot was well blocked.