Spain Beat Croatia in Split to Reach Nations League Quarter-Finals
European and world champions Spain won 2-1 away to Croatia in the UEFA Nations League despite trailing at half-time. England beat the Czech Republic 3-0 at Wembley.
Spain extended their unbeaten run and secured a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. On Tuesday evening in Split the Spaniards found themselves chasing the game, but turned it around after the break to defeat Croatia 2-1.
Croatia went ahead in the 17th minute. Ivan Perisic put the ball into the net after goalkeeper Unai Simon had saved a shot from Igor Matanovic. The hosts could have added a second, but Simon made up for his own error. Before the interval, Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal both missed chances to level the score.
Second half
After the restart, Dani Olmo, who played in Croatia early in his career, sent a header just wide of the post. Mikel Merino equalised in the 61st minute: the Arsenal midfielder made use of a precise pass from Olmo.
As the match neared its end, Perisic failed to restore Croatia's lead in attack. Shortly afterwards he was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella, and the 37-year-old PSV Eindhoven forward was sent off, leaving his side a man short. Spain's winner came in the 88th minute from Merino, who had come on at half-time and scored his second with a left-footed shot past Dominik Livakovic.
England beat the Czechs
In the other Group A3 match, England defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 at Wembley. The first goal came about half an hour in, when Vladimir Coufal diverted a Harry Kane pass into his own net. Kane later scored twice himself, completing a hat-trick including the own goal by the 57th minute. The assists came from Morgan Rogers and Lewis Hall.
After four rounds, Spain lead the group with 12 points, England have 9, Croatia 3 and the Czech Republic 0. The next fixtures are scheduled for November.
