Spain got here from behind to safe a 2-1 victory over Croatia in a carefully contested Nations League conflict at Stadion Poljud, with Mikel Merino producing a decisive second-half efficiency.
Croatia began brightly and took the lead within the 18th minute. Ivan Perisic reacted quickest to a unfastened ball contained in the field and headed residence, with Mateo Kovacic offering the important thing cross. Croatia entered half-time with a 1-0 benefit regardless of Spain dominating possession for a lot of the opening interval.
Spain continued to manage the ball after the restart and finally discovered their equaliser within the 61st minute. Dani Olmo equipped the help for Merino, who completed calmly along with his left foot to make it 1-1.
Spain remained in management and finally accomplished the comeback within the 89th minute. Martin Zubimendi delivered the help, permitting Merino to volley the ball into the online with a superb left-footed end.
The closing phases turned tough for Croatia after Ivan Perisic acquired a second yellow card within the 79th minute and was despatched off. Spain used their numerical benefit to keep up strain and see out the victory.
Spain completed with a powerful 72% possession in contrast with Croatia’s 28%, whereas additionally registering six corners to Croatia’s three.
Spain have additionally continued to make their presence felt within the Nations League, with their 3-1 victory over Czechia one other assertion of their high quality and attacking energy.
Spain Participant Scores
| Participant | Score |
| Lamine Yamal | 9.3 |
| Marc Pubill | 8.6 |
| Alex Baena | 7.7 |
| Pau Cubarsi | 7.7 |
| Fermin Lopez | 7.5 |
| Marc Cucurella | 7.4 |
| Martin Zubimendi | 7.4 |
| Pedri | 7.4 |
| Unai Simon | 7.3 |
| Nico Williams | 7.3 |
| Dean Huijsen | 7.2 |
| Fabian Ruiz | 7.2 |
| Mikel Merino | 7.1 |
| Rodri | 6.6 |
| Mikel Oyarzabal | 6.5 |
| Victor Munoz | 6.2 |
Croatia Participant Scores
| Participant | Score |
| Ivan Perisic | 7.5 |
| Marco Pasalic | 7.3 |
| Dion Drena Beljo | 7.1 |
| Petar Sucic | 6.9 |
| Mateo Kovacic | 6.0 |
| Josip Misic | 6.0 |
| Dominik Livakovic | 5.2 |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Croatia | Spain |
| Possession | 28% | 72% |
| Pictures on Goal | 3 | 2 |
| Pictures Off Goal | 3 | 2 |
| Blocked Pictures | 5 | 28 |
| Corners | 3 | 6 |
| Offsides | 0 | 2 |
| Fouls | 12 | 10 |
| Throw-ins | 10 | 14 |
| Yellow Playing cards | 4 | 2 |
| Purple Playing cards | 1 | 0 |
| Crosses | 10 | 20 |
| Counter Assaults | 3 | 2 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 1 | 4 |
| Objective Kicks | 8 | 2 |
The outcome continues Spain’s sturdy Nations League marketing campaign and highlights their capacity to stay affected person in opposition to a Croatia facet that defended for lengthy durations.
