The 2022/23 UEFA Nations League final reminded fans of the confrontation between Spain and Croatia at EURO 2020. In a match between the world's top midfielders, the two teams could not decide the winner in just 2 halves.
The match started at a slow pace as both teams preferred to keep the ball with a slight difference in possession (Spain 55%, Croatia 45% - according to Whoscored). During the first half, each team only created one chance.
In the 12th minute, Gavi took the ball from Marcelo Brozovic before shooting wide of the opponent's goal. In the 32nd minute, Croatia responded with a header from Ivan Perisic but could not beat the Spanish goalkeeper.
Spain and Croatia had to resort to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
In the second half, both sides increased the speed of the match. At the beginning of the half, Perisic crossed the ball from the left wing, causing goalkeeper Unai Simon to misjudge the landing point. However, the Croatian player's shots did not hit the target.
Meanwhile, Spain held the ball well but failed to create any clear-cut chances. It was only at the end of the match that coach Luis de la Fuente's players had a regretful moment when Ansu Fati's shot was blocked by a Croatian player right on the goal line.
Spain team won Nations League.
The two teams were tied 0-0, and went into extra time. Spain played better and forced Croatia into a defensive position. Luka Modric and his teammates stood firm against the attacks of the team from the land of bullfighting. Neither team scored and had to go into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
In the first 5 rounds, Spain and Croatia both missed once. In round 6, Croatia's Bruno Petkovic failed to beat the opposing goalkeeper. Dani Carvajal successfully executed the task from the penalty spot to set the score at 5-4, helping Spain win the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League championship.
Result: Spain 0-0 Croatia (penalty: 5-4)
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