Lamine Yamal Double Powers Spain Past Croatia in Nations League
Spain strengthened their position at the top of League A Group 3 with a 4-1 win over Croatia at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, led by a two-goal display from Lamine Yamal. The home side have six points from two matches after following their opening victory against England with another commanding performance.
Spain seize control in Seville
- Spain made an immediate impact, with Yamal scoring in the second minute. Álex Baena supplied the pass and the forward guided a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
- The early goal also marked a notable sequence for Spain, who have now scored inside the opening two minutes in successive games, against England and Croatia. They had not managed that in any competition since at least 2004.
- Croatia levelled in the 28th minute despite Spain’s territorial advantage. Dion Beljo met Ivan Perisic’s delivery with a header to beat the hosts’ defence.
- The equaliser lasted only three minutes. Yamal created Spain’s second from a corner, crossing for Marc Pubill to head high into the net.
- Spain continued to create chances before half-time. Mikel Oyarzabal had an effort disallowed for offside, while Fermin Lopez hit the post during added time.
- Yamal restored Spain’s two-goal margin in the 63rd minute. Pedri, on as a substitute, found him in a difficult position, but Yamal finished from a tight angle for his second of the night.
- Luka Modric entered the match in the 81st minute and received a standing ovation from the Seville crowd.
- Spain completed the scoring in the 89th minute, when Mikel Merino set up Nico Williams for the fourth goal.
Control reflected in the numbers
Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated the contest for long periods, recording 63.7% possession and 16 shots. Croatia had few openings beyond Beljo’s goal, while goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was repeatedly called into action as Spain maintained pressure through midfield.
Spain’s substitutes again played a decisive part, with Pedri assisting Yamal and Merino creating the late finish for Williams. The result leaves Spain clear at the summit of the group after two rounds.
Next fixture
Spain will face Czechia next as they seek to preserve their perfect start and move closer to early qualification for the knockout rounds.
