Dani Carvajal's decisive spot-kick against Croatia earns Spain their first UEFA Nations League title

UEFA Nations League (Source: Twitter)

Spain defeated Croatia 5-4 in a penalty shootout to win the UEFA Nations League 2023 at the Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam, Netherlands on Sunday, June 18. Croatia's hopes of winning their first UEFA title were shattered by right-back Dani Carvajal's decisive spot-kick. It was the second time Spain reached the final of the biennial international football competition, while Croatia's first final appearance.

The final ended goalless after extra time and went to penalties as both teams put up a blistering performance. Nikola Vlasic scored Croatia's opening goal and Joselu netted to equalize for Spain. Croatia's midfielder Marcelo Brozovic made it 2-1, and Rodri, who was named man of the match, levelled for Spain. Croatia captain Luka Modric then scored to the top of the net, but Mikel Merino's easy goal tied the scoreline at 3-3.

Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon stopped Lovro Majer's kick, and Marco Asensio put it inside the line to give his side the lead. Tottenham Hotspur star Ivan Perisic scored the crucial goal for Croatia as Aymeric Laporte lost the opportunity to win by hitting the crossbar. Simon saved from Bruno Petkovic before Carvajal sealed the winning goal.

"It was a very tight match, we knew we weren't going to win easily," said Simon after the match.

Real Madrid star Carvajal's calm spot-kick gave his country their first major title since the 2012 European Championships. While Manchester City midfielder Rodri completed a club and country trophy double just eight days after the English club's treble win, it was cruel on Modric, who hoped to decorate his international career by guiding Croatia to what would have been their first trophy.

I was sure we were on the right path: Spain's coach

Speaking after Spain's victory, coach Luis de la Fuente praised Carvajal as a player with a lot of personality and professionalism. He also feels that the victory will give them more peace of mind.

"Yesterday we worked on penalties and Dani did very well. I trusted him a lot, he decided to throw it away and he is a player with a lot of personality and professionalism," Fuente said after match presentation, according to tweets by Spain Football.

"I was sure we were on the right path. This victory will give us more peace of mind and security. These players are winners and they are going to give us a lot of joy in the future," he added.