Spain Snatches Late Equalizer Against Netherlands, Croatia Dominates France in Nations League
Spain managed to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, while Croatia claimed a solid 2-0 victory over France, putting them in a favorable position for the semifinals.
In Rotterdam, Spain, the reigning champions, took an early lead through Nico Williams, but the match turned as the Netherlands struck back with goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutch had flipped the tie on its head until a red card for teenager Jorrel Hato in the 81st minute left them with ten men. Spain capitalized on this opportunity, with Williams creating the equalizer in injury time. His shot was parried by Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen right into the path of Mikel Merino, who netted the late leveller.
“It’s a bit sad when you concede the late goal. I don’t think we deserved it. But you know when you play with 10 men, it’s going to be difficult,” remarked Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman. “We dared to take the game to Spain. We were the better team.”
Meanwhile, Croatia avenged their 2018 World Cup final loss to France with a convincing win in Split. Despite missing an early penalty saved by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Croatia found their footing. Ante Budimir scored with a powerful header in the 26th minute, and veteran Ivan Perisic added a second just before halftime with a perfectly-placed volley. France’s coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the team’s lackluster performance, stating, “Our first-half showing was below what we are capable of.”
In another quarterfinal matchup, Germany came from behind to defeat Italy 2-1 in Milan. After Italy took an early lead through Sandro Tonali, Germany equalized with a header from Tim Kleindienst shortly after halftime, followed by Leon Goretzka’s decisive goal in the 76th minute. “It was not easy to come back and win,” said Germany’s Jamal Musiala. “We will have to play the return leg with the same determination.”
Denmark also enjoyed success, edging Portugal 1-0 in Copenhagen with a late goal from Rasmus Hojlund, who came off the bench to secure the win. Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez lamented, “It was our worst performance in the last two years.”
In Nations League promotion and relegation play-off action, Ukraine pulled off a stunning 3-1 victory over Belgium, while Turkey beat Hungary 3-1. Scotland secured a narrow 1-0 win over Greece, and Serbia held Austria to a 1-1 draw.
The return fixtures for all Nations League ties are set to take place on Sunday, as teams battle for a spot in the semifinals and to avoid relegation.
