‘Enrique leaves and Spain finally wins something’ – Fans react as Spain win UEFA Nations League defeating Crotia on penalties

At Rotterdam’s De Kuip stadium on Sunday, the 2022–23 edition of the UEFA Nations League came to an end with Spain, emerging as champions, overcoming that final battle and defeating Croatia on penalties. Both teams had their opportunities but were unable to capitalize during the normal and extra time of the game.

Early in the game, Spain could have capitalized on Croatia’s mistakes, but poor finishing and the offside flag kept the score level. Croatia’s left side was always under threat with Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic, while Spain came near with a Marcos Asensio header and a long-range attempt from Rodri. In order to clear an Ansu Fati attempt off the line, Perisic was also there at the defense as well. The game was quite opposite to that of which was played at the Euro 2021, where Spain won 5-3.

Dani Carvajal scored the final spot kick

In extra time, chances were more restricted, and the final result was decided on penalties. Croatia has been enjoying excellent success in penalty shootouts during tournaments, defeating Brazil and Japan in shootouts in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and also defeating Denmark and Russia in the 2018 tournament. Croatia has won silver and bronze medals at the previous two World Cup because of their consistency in shootouts, which is mostly due to the skill set of their goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and Croatian legend Luka Modric.

This time, the story would have been different. With the score tied at 3-3 after the first three rounds of penalties, both teams’ penalty-takers showed their exceptional talent. Neither goalkeeper had a chance. Although a bad penalty from Lovro Majer was given away to give Spain the lead, it would be Spain’s number one keeper Unai Simon who made first save.

Aymeric Laporte had the opportunity to win the game with the winning penalty after Asensio and Perisic converted their attempts. However, there would be a twist in the story as Laporte’s attempt was too lofty and went off the bar. Dani Carvajal came forward to attempt and win it for Spain in sudden death. This time, there would be no problem as Carvajal easily sent the ball over Livakovic to give Spain its first Nations League title and first trophy in more than ten years.

Here’s how fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/SenzyWf/status/1670682320842502144?s=20

Up Champion

— Ajayi lanre (@Ajayilanre12) June 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/omospain16465/status/1670683278834126848?s=20

https://twitter.com/mac_ferns07/status/1670551805938503680?s=20

https://twitter.com/AnkaraWessi/status/1670551032332713984?s=20

https://twitter.com/Sundayokeme1/status/1670552369384357889?s=20

https://twitter.com/hoodedDeRozan/status/1670551242454466566?s=20

https://twitter.com/sadcfc_fan/status/1670554454469271552?s=20