Huge credits to Luis de la Fuente, who celebrates an early gold at his fourth official game as La Roja’s head coach. Hats off to Unai Simon’s penalty-saver skills – terrific last dive on Petkovic –, that opened the door to Dani Carvajal’s Panenka-style winning shot. For the rest, it was a highly tactical and balanced struggle for over 120 minutes. The Spanish brought it home because they just followed their game plan slightly more than Croatia did. And they played serenely: the lightness of a new generation prevailed over the weight of the last call that, conversely, Modric and pals had to bear.
FEAR TO WIN From the very first announcement of the line-ups, a whole arena has been cheering the Croatians and booing the Spaniards – except for Dani Olmo, whose past in the ranks of Dinamo Zagreb is still well remembered. However, the euphoria on the stands often turns into pressure on the pitch. And in fact, a harmless-looking cross from the left immediately risks to be dreadful for Dominik Livakovic: the Croatian goalkeeper’s grip is slippery and deflects the ball on the post, Alvaro Morata is nearby but cannot convert. Shortly after it’s the turn of Gavi, whose low shot from the edge of the box ends inches away from the goal. Zlatko Dalic’s boys can take a sigh of relief. And start to play.
Luka Modric of Croatia runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Mikel Merino and Gavi of Spain during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 final match between Croatia and Spain at De Kuip on June 18, 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
CROATIAN PRIDE At minute 10 – the number of Modric – all the red and white fans stand up and rise their voice in a deafening prayer: “Ostani tu” – stay there with us, ed – they sing, to their long-time hero who hasn’t revealed yet if this was his final appearance with Croatia. Nevertheless, Luka’s long passes with the outside of his right foot are the usual pieces of finesse. They enlighten the game all around. Therefore, the checkered team adapts to the predictable ball possession of de la Fuente’s squad and slowly gains confidence. The first chance is for Andrej Kramaric, face to face with Unai Simon, but a great defensive comeback from Aymeric Laporte preserves Spain from serious troubles.
After the first half hour, Ivan Perisic starts to effectively sprint on the left wing. Marcelo Brozovic gives him constant support. But anytime a Croatian player reaches the byline and passes, there are no strikers in the box ready to strike. On the opposite side, Spain shows how does it work: Jordi Alba crosses, Morata’s header is fair but just off-target. It is the last highlight of a high-quality first half.
STALEMATE IN MIDFIELD After the break, Croatia keeps pushing and Jesus Navas keeps suffering Perisic’s attacks on the wing. But the Spanish never lose focus and stick together: even Gavi, 18, gives his key contribution to the defensive phase. Around the 60th minute, Marco Asensio – headshot – and Rodri – from the outside – trigger a double danger to Livakovic. The Croatian reply in between: served by an inexhaustible Perisic, Mario Pasalic connects with his head and the ball ends up on the side of the net – giving the illusion of the 1-0, with half of the stadium already exultant.
The game supremacy in midfield preached by Dalic is now evident, but his players are lacking in cynicism and hardly manage to shoot after protracted preparatory efforts. Again, Spain is quicker and more efficient: in the 84th minute, a wonderful collective play ends up with Ansu Fati concluding safely at close range. But Perisic is there to save it, right on the goal line: for the noisy Croatian fans, it sounds like a victory. Then it is Asensio, after the umpteenth fine pass from Alba, to almost score on the far post. All of a sudden, overtime is a godsend for Croatia.
EXTRA AGONY It is a reset of technical and mental values. But the game keeps proceeding back and forth. After 100 minutes, Mateo Kovacic has still some energy left for an astonishing coast-to-coast, finds Lovro Majer in the box, Nacho Fernandez throws himself in a desperate tackle and rescues Spain from defeat. Therefore, it is Croatia’s turn to shake: Fati crosses, Merino controls in the box, and Olmo shoots off-target after a crucial deviation. Unai Simon blocks Brozovic’s low shot. Rodri tries another long-range strike, mindful of the Champions League final. Modric and pals gain a corner. But the time is over: the only regret is for the amazing, surrounding atmosphere.
Dani Carvajal of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning penalty in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 final match between Croatia and Spain at De Kuip on June 18, 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
MERCILESS PENALTIES Here all the records call for Croatia. And records can be deceiving, though. From the penalty spot Vlasic scores the first, the veterans – Brozovic, Modric, Perisic – don’t betray the expectations. But for Livakovic and Majer, protagonists against Brazil just months ago, the spotlight of the World Cup is now far away: the goalie is disappointing against the accurate Spanish shooters, while the midfielder kicks right onto Unai Simon’s legs. The winning penalty is intended for Laport, but the crossbar gives Croatia a further chance. Petkovic’s right shot is good, but Simon’s save is simply better. Then Carvajal puts an end to the marathon.
It is La Roja’s return to paradise after 11 years, celebrating veterans – Navas is the only world champion left nowadays – and newcomers: the restoration of the winning culture invoked by de la Fuente is already here. Rodri concludes the season of his life as Mvp of the final – this time, a lazy choice from the jury. From the stands, hundreds of Spanish fans eventually pop out in cheers. In the meantime, Croatia falls into dignified despair. The human tide still acclaims its idols. Even Olmo – the magic of football – tries to console his best friend Majer. However, Dalic eyes say it all: under his five-years management, this stainless team never failed an extra time game or beyond against whoever. Apart from Spain, twice. And the last Croatian loss on penalties dates back to Euro 2008: it was Luka Modric’s first major tournament as leader of the national squad. There is enough to cry about, without thinking that this may be his last.
Credit: AIPS Media
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