Spain 4-1 Croatia Nations League Match Recap
Spain defeated Croatia 4–1 in Seville during their second UEFA Nations League fixture on September 29, 2026, extending their winning streak to nine consecutive matches. Head coach de la Fuente watched his side break the deadlock after just 70 seconds through a 26-passing sequence that kept the visitors from touching the ball. Lamine Yamal finished the move with a left-footed strike from the right side of the penalty area, set up by Álex Baena.
The opening sequence drew statistical comparisons to the 1974 FIFA World Cup final, where the Netherlands put together 16 passes in 50 seconds from the opening whistle before Johan Cruyff drew a penalty against West Germany. While the Dutch sequence ended in a spot-kick during that tournament final, Spain’s 26-pass build-up culminated directly in an open-play goal.
How Lamine Yamal and Spain Overwhelmed Croatia
Croatia managed to equalize in the 28th minute when Beljo headed home a cross from Ivan Perišić. Spain regained the lead three minutes later as Pubil scored with a header from a right-wing delivery by Yamal. Yamal extended the lead in the 63rd minute by converting a pass from Pedri for his second goal of the night. Substitute Nico Williams added a fourth goal in the 89th minute with a precise diagonal shot.
The match marked Spain’s first home appearance in the competition. In the 80th minute, the crowd at the ‘Sanchez-Pizjuan’ gave Luka Modrić a standing ovation as he entered the pitch as a substitute.
Group Standings After England Defeats Czechia
With Croatia’s defeat, England drew level with them in Group 3 following a 2–0 away victory against the Czech Republic in Prague. England manager Tuchel’s side capitalized on a numerical advantage after Sulc received a red card in the 25th minute for a foul on Anderson. Gordon opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a header from a Alexander-Arnold cross, before Harry Kane secured the victory in the 69th minute with a left-footed diagonal shot.
League B Results Involving Swiss and Slovenian Teams
In League B action, Switzerland earned a 3–0 win over Scotland, aided by a red card shown to Hendry in the 11th minute for a foul as the last man on Ndoye. Ricardo Rodriguez converted the resulting free-kick two minutes later. Elvedi and Amdouni added second-half goals for the visitors. In the group’s other fixture, Slovenia defeated North Macedonia 2–0, with Lovrić scoring the opener in the 55th minute following a pass from Begic before Matko sealed the result.
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