Spain vs Croatia live updates: UEFA Nations League goalless in ...
Michael Dominski
June 18, 2023 at 6:26 PM EDT
Spain have beaten Croatia in a penalty shootout to win the UEFA Nations League final after their match finished 0-0 after extra time.
Unai Simon made two saves in the shootout, denying Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic, before Dani Carvajal sealed the win with a Panenka penalty.
This is Spain's first Nations League title.
June 18, 2023 at 6:26 PM EDT
Juranovic: 'We were so close'Josip Juranovic spoke to the media after Croatia's loss: "Both teams played really well but it's a bitter taste in our mouths. We were so close to the trophy and didn't win it at the end.
"I'm sorry that I didn't take a better shot when I was in a good position, but we have to turn a new page now. Euro 2024 is next year and we still have qualifying matches. We need to return even stronger."
On the Croatian supporters, who significantly outnumbered their counterparts today in De Kuip: "It was incredible. We felt like we were playing at home from the first until the last minute. We will need to repay them somehow."
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 6:19 PM EDT
Rodri: 'We fought until the end'Rodri spoke to the media after being named Player of the Tournament: "It was a super-complicated game against one of the best teams in the world. It's hard to win, but this generation is great and we fought until the end.
"I would give ourselves a 10/10 for the faith we showed. Winning is the first step."
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:55 PM EDT
Spain lift the Nations League trophy(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:48 PM EDT
Spain join short listSpain join Portugal (2019) and France (2021) as nations to have won the UEFA Nations League.
They are now receiving their winners medals.
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:46 PM EDT
Medals being handed outThe referees have received their medals and now Croatia are being given their runners-up ones.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin is on hand to give them out.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:45 PM EDT
Rodri and Laporte just can't loseAymeric Laporte and Rodri have now won four trophies in the past month, winning the treble with Manchester City in addition to today's victory.
Rodri is named the tournament's best player.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:42 PM EDT
First trophy for Spain since 2012Spain have won their fifth major title in their history after the 2010 World Cup and the Euros in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:39 PM EDT
Croatia cruelly denied first trophyThe wait goes on for Croatia's first championship in a major tournament.
They've come so close in recent years, losing in the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 World Cup semi-final before today's match.
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:35 PM EDT
Spain's heroUnai Simon made five saves during the match to keep a clean sheet, and then a further two saves in the penalty shootout.
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:34 PM EDT
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:34 PM EDT
Engraving already underway(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:31 PM EDT
Joy and despairLivakovic looks devastated, sprawled on the floor with his hands on his head.
Spain's players celebrate but it's the Croatia supporters making the most noise in support of their players.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM EDT
SPAIN WIN THE NATIONS LEAGUECroatia 4-5 Spain
Carvajal wins it with a Panenka!
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:29 PM EDT
Simon denies Petkovic!Croatia 4-4 Spain
Simon makes a brilliant save to deny Petkovic!
Spain have a second opportunity to win it! Carvajal up next!
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:28 PM EDT
Laporte hits the bar!Croatia 4-4 Spain
Laporte could have won it for Spain but he hits the crossbar!
Croatia have life as we head into a sixth round!
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:27 PM EDT
Perisic keeps Croatia alive!Croatia 4-4 Spain
Perisic has to score to keep Croatia alive, and he does, sending Simon the wrong way.
Spain can win the Nations League with their next kick though! It's going to be Laporte...
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:27 PM EDT
Asensio gives Spain the lead!Croatia 3-4 Spain
Asensio gives Livakovic no chance with a powerful penalty into the roof of the net, and Spain are on the verge!
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:26 PM EDT
Simon denies Majer!Croatia 3-3 Spain
The first failed penalty! Simon dives correctly and parries Majer's shot away with his foot!
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:25 PM EDT
Merino scores!Croatia 3-3 Spain
Merino hesitates while Livakovic dives, allowing Merino to bury his shot in the opposite corner.
All level through three rounds.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 18, 2023 at 5:24 PM EDT
Modric scores!Croatia 3-2 Spain
Modric goes right down the middle and hits the roof of the net!
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
