Spain preserved their long unbeaten run with a 2-1 win against Croatia in Split on Tuesday, keeping them perfect in Nations League Group A3. The victory ensured they will finish in the top two in the four-team group and advance to the quarter-finals. This result maintains Spain's impressive form, with their only blemish being a penalty shootout loss to Portugal after the last Nations League final ended in a draw.
England stayed three points behind Spain with a 3-0 home win against the Czech Republic, keeping them in second place. They will advance to the last four if they do not lose their next game at home to Croatia by eight or more goals. England's veteran striker, Harry Kane, continued his hot form, scoring twice to stretch his national scoring record to 91 goals.
In their previous match, Croatia suffered a 7-0 loss to England at Rijeka, with a crowd of 6,000 children under the age of 14 due to a ban caused by persistent fan racism. However, in the match against Spain, Croatia gave a spikier performance and took the lead after 17 minutes through Ivan Perisic. Unai Simon dived to save a low drive from Igor Matanovic but only pushed the ball into the air, allowing Perisic to nod the ball home.
Spain dominated first-half possession but Croatia created the most dangerous chances, with Matanovic having the opportunity to double the lead. However, Spain's pressure told after 61 minutes, with Dani Olmo collecting a poor clearance and rolling the ball to substitute Mikel Merino, who had space to pick his spot and score the equalizer.
Perisic's excited lunge soon after scoring earned him a yellow card, which turned into a costly sending off when he was booked again after 79 minutes for a push on Marc Cucurella. With a minute of normal time left, Merino found space in the box to turn and drive home the winner, securing a 2-1 victory for Spain.
The win stretched Spain's unbeaten run to 42 games, with Merino stating that it was his turn to score from the bench. He added that he will go out there with the best possible attitude, even when frustrated about not being able to play more. England's Harry Kane equalled the England appearance record held by goalkeeper Peter Shilton with a 125th cap and described the night as "perfect" for him personally and the team.
Kane's goals came after 40 minutes, when he finished off a quick, clever England attack by wrong-footing the goalkeeper from close range, and after 57 minutes, when he headed home a corner. England were presented with their opener after 27 minutes when Vladimir Coufal smashed an England cross into his own net. Kane received praise for his performance, stating that he was proud of the team's display and that as a striker, he was just waiting for his opportunities.
Key points
- Spain's unbeaten run extends to 42 games with a 2-1 win against Croatia.
- Harry Kane stretches his national scoring record to 91 goals with a double against the Czech Republic.
- England stay in second place in Nations League Group A3 with a 3-0 win against the Czech Republic.
