Spain beat Croatia 2-1 to reach Nations League quarter-finals

Wednesday 07 - 09:02

Spain booked its place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals after coming from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 at Poljud Stadium in Split on Tuesday.

The result extended Spain’s strong run in the competition and ensured that the reigning world champions will reach the knockout stage for a fourth consecutive edition. The victory also kept them at the top of Group A3, although the battle for first place remains unresolved.

Merino turns the game around

Croatia made the brighter start and took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Perišić. Spain struggled to convert its possession into a decisive response before the interval, leaving the hosts with a narrow advantage at halftime.

The match changed after the break. Mikel Merino brought Spain level in the 61st minute, giving Luis de la Fuente’s side renewed momentum as Croatia came under increasing pressure.

The hosts were reduced to ten men in the 79th minute when Perišić received a second yellow card. Spain took advantage of the numerical advantage late in the contest, with Merino completing his brace in the 88th minute to seal a comeback victory.

Spain maintains control of Group A3

The three points moved Spain to 12 points at the summit of Group A3. England followed on nine points, while Croatia remained on three and the Czech Republic had yet to collect a point.

Beyond securing qualification, the result underlined Spain’s consistency in the Nations League. The team has now reached the quarter-finals in four successive editions of the competition.

The group, however, still has one major issue to settle. Spain’s position at the top is not yet mathematically beyond reach, with England still capable of challenging for first place.

England awaits in Madrid

Spain’s final group fixture will come against England on November 15 at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. The encounter will determine the final order at the top of the section and give Spain an opportunity to finish the group stage in first place.

For Croatia, meanwhile, the defeat leaves little room for recovery as the group phase approaches its conclusion. Spain can now turn its attention to the quarter-finals while awaiting the final outcome of Group A3.