The Croatia national team suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Spain in their UEFA Nations League match on Tuesday. A brace from Lamine Yamal and an assist from the young forward decided the contest in Seville.
The match started in the worst possible way for the visitors. In just the 2nd minute, Yamal opened the scoring with his left foot following a pass from Álex Baena. Croatia equalised in the 28th minute through a Dion Beljo header from an Ivan Perišić cross. The parity lasted only three minutes. From the ensuing corner, Yamal delivered a cross and Marc Pubill headed Spain back in front.
Yamal decisive in second half
Spain controlled 63.7% of possession and created 16 chances. Their pressure culminated in Yamal's second goal in the 63rd minute, following a precise pass from Pedri. Nico Williams set the final score at 4-1 in the 89th minute, assisted by Mikel Merino. Luka Modrić entered the fray in the 81st minute and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
"We were very excited to bring the cup here. To be able to win the game and bring it home is great," said Lamine Yamal after the match, alluding to the World Cup trophy presentation before kick-off. The stats agency Opta noted that Spain scored in the first two minutes of consecutive matches, against England and Croatia, for the first time since at least 2004.
Zlatko Dalić's side now prepares for a key home fixture against the group leaders on October 3rd.
Read the full report at goal.com
On Tuesday, Spain became the first national football team in history to achieve a run of 40 consecutive matches without defeat, according to the Squawka network. This record streak includes the recent 4:1 victory over Croatia on September 29.
