Spain beat Croatia, reaching the quarterfinals of the Nations League
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score two goals to help Spain beat Croatia 2-1 and qualify for the quarterfinals of the Nations League.
Spain defeated Croatia, entered the quarterfinals of Nations League
According to Vnexpress.
Why this is important
This victory not only helps Spain enter the quarterfinals of the Nations League but also strengthens their position in the fierce competition of Nations League football. Mikel Merino, with two important goals, proved his worth, showing the depth in Spain's squad. This can positively affect the team's spirit and confidence in the next matches.
Main point
- Spain defeated Croatia, entered the quarterfinals of Nations League.
- Mikel Merino came off the bench to score two goals to help Spain win 2-1 against Croatia, earning a ticket to the quarterfinals of the Nations League.
- Spain defeated Croatia, entered the quarterfinals of Nations League.
In the match taking place in Croatia, the Spanish team had an impressive comeback to win 2-1 against host Croatia. Midfielder Mikel Merino, who was brought on as a substitute by coach Luis de la Fuente, shined with two important goals, thereby helping Spain officially win a ticket to the quarterfinals of the Nations League.
The match started with high determination from the home team, Croatia, after a historic 0-7 defeat against England. Right from the first seconds, Croatia showed strong pressing play, causing many difficulties for the away team. Ivan Perisic is a formidable spearhead on the left wing, constantly causing difficulties for the Spanish defense with his experience and speed.
Although Spain started with a strong squad, they faced great pressure from Croatia. Players like Lamine Yamal struggled to find space against the home team's solid defense. Croatia's efforts were rewarded with the opening goal in the 17th minute. Igor Matanovic had a shot that forced goalkeeper Unai Simon to block, but the ball bounced back into the right range for Perisic to head into the empty net.
Despite taking the lead, Croatia could not maintain the intensity of their pressing in the second half. As their fitness declined, Spain regained control of the match. Coach De la Fuente decided to change tactics by sending Merino onto the field to replace Alex Baena. This decision brought immediate results.
In the 61st minute, Merino was in the right place to score a 1-1 equalizer from a cross from Yamal. In the 87th minute, Merino scored the second goal for the team, putting Spain ahead 2-1. After receiving the ball in the penalty area, Merino controlled and finished accurately, beating the Croatian goalkeeper.
Merino's double not only helped Spain win but also affirmed his important role in the team. Since the beginning of 2025, Merino has scored 6 goals for Spain without starting, becoming the highest-scoring substitute in the European team at this time.
This victory helped Spain increase its winning streak to 11 in official matches, the best achievement since a series of 12 consecutive wins from 2009 to 2010. With 12 absolute points after four matches, Spain became the first team to win the right to enter the quarterfinals. England is currently ranked second with 9 points, while Croatia has only 3 points and the Czech Republic has no points. The League A quarter-finals will take place from March 25 to 30, 2027.
What happens next
Spain will prepare for the next matches in the Nations League, where they will face bigger challenges. Merino's return could create competition in the squad, affecting coach Luis de la Fuente's tactical choices. Croatia, after this loss, needs to review their tactics and improve their ability to maintain competitive intensity to be able to compete better in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
The match Spain vs Croatia ended with what score?
Spain beat Croatia with a score of 2-1.
Who scored for Spain in this match?
Mikel Merino is the player who scored both goals for Spain.
How does this win affect Spain's position in the Nations League rankings?
The victory helped Spain officially win a ticket to the quarterfinals of the Nations League.
When is Spain's next match in the Nations League?
Information about Spain's next match has not been mentioned in the article.
In what minute did Croatia score against Spain?
Croatia scored the opening goal in the 17th minute.
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