Photo: Collected
Match after match is going by, yet Spain seem to have simply forgotten what defeat is. The reigning Euro and World Cup champions have set a new example by remaining unbeaten in 43 consecutive matches.
Spain maintained their superb rhythm by beating Croatia 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday. Although they fell behind early on at the opponents’ ground, the reigning world champions turned the match around with a brace from Mikel Merino, who came on as a substitute in the second half.
With this win, Spain are at the top of group three of League A of the Nations League with a full 12 points from four matches. England, who beat Czechia 3-0 at the same time, are in second place with 9 points. Croatia have 3 points, while Czechia have lost all four of their matches.
Croatia’s start at home was excellent. The team, who conceded seven goals to England in the previous match, played attacking football from the beginning. They got the reward for it in the 17th minute.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon had somehow blocked Igor Matanovic’s shot. But experienced Ivan Perisic headed the rebound and found the net. It is his 40th goal in 162 matches for the national team.
Although they kept possession of the ball after conceding the goal, Spain could not show much sharpness in attack in the first half. In the first 45 minutes, they took five shots and could keep only one on target.
An opportunity to draw level came before Spain right at the start of the second half. However, Dani Olmo could not keep his shot on target. In the end, the visitors found the desired goal in the 61st minute.
Receiving Olmo’s pass in the box, Merino scored with a perfectly placed shot. He had also come on as a substitute and scored against Czechia in the previous match.
This performance by Merino showed once again that he has the ability to change the complexion of a match by coming on as a substitute at important moments.
In the 77th minute, Spain were in danger again through their own mistake. Although Perisic got a one-on-one chance at goal after receiving a misplaced pass, Unai Simon blocked his powerful shot with his foot.
Shortly after this, the hosts suffered a big blow. Perisic saw a second yellow card for fouling Marc Cucurella from behind. The decision stood even after a VAR review. As a result, Croatia had to play the final period with 10 men.
Making use of that opportunity, Merino put Spain ahead in the 88th minute. Taking Martin Zubimendi’s pass under control and evading the opponents’ challenge, he sent the ball into the net with a powerful shot.
Croatia could not come back in the final moments. Spain left the field with the 2-1 win.
