The Spaniards celebrate Dani Carvajal, the last scorer in the penalty shootout. JOHN THYS / AFP
Eleven after its last crowning on the European scene, Spain lifts a new trophy and the first League of Nations in its history.
A new trophy in Spain’s cupboard. After an unprecedented treble – Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012 – La Roja won the fourth trophy in its history. In Rotterdam, the Spaniards overcame the Croats to win the 2022-2023 Nations League on penalties (0-0; 5-4 TAB).
After 90 sluggish minutes on both sides, neither of the two nations managed to make a difference despite opportunities from Perisic (29th), Juranovic (51st) then Majer (100th) for Croatia. And from Gavi (12th), Rodri (63rd) or even Ansu Fati (83rd). The latter being the most frank of the game, on a shot from the left pushed back on his line by Ivan Perisic. It was finally on penalties that La Roja had the last word.
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After hung extra time, Dani Carvajal scored the winning shot on goal from a panenka that left Dominik Livakovic helpless on the ground with his hands in the air. A shot on goal that made his partners exult because apart from Jesus Navas and Jordi Alba, none had ever won a title with the Spanish selection. Before that, it was Unai Simón who stood out with two decisive saves during the session, against Rennais Lovro Majer then against Bruno Petkovic. If Aymeric Laporte couldn’t give Spain the victory earlier because of a shot on goal on the crossbar, the Real Madrid right-back took care of it later.