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Spain secured a 2‑1 victory over Croatia on Tuesday, earning a place in the Nations League quarter‑finals. The match, played in Split, saw Mikel Merino of Arsenal score both goals for the Spanish side, while Croatia’s first goal came from a header by Perišić. Spain entered the game with a four‑match winning streak and a 42‑game unbeaten run in the competition. The team, led by coach Luis de la Fuente, had recently suffered a heavy 0‑7 defeat to England in the group stage, prompting a determined response. Spain’s lineup featured a strong attack, with Lamine Yamal starting in midfield and the full‑back positions occupied by Oyarzabal and Olmo. Croatia, coached by Slavko Bilic, began the match aggressively. They earned an early advantage when Perišić headed in a cross from Stanisic in the 13th minute. The Croatian side, led by midfield maestro Luka Modrić, applied pressure throughout the first half, creating several chances. Spain struggled to find the net, but the Spanish defense held firm. In the second half, Spain’s tactical adjustments paid off. A well‑executed substitution saw Merino replace Baena, and he immediately made an impact. Merino’s first goal came in the 61st minute, when he capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to beat goalkeeper Livaković. The goal restored Spain’s confidence and shifted the momentum. Croatia attempted to regain the lead, but Spain’s defense remained resolute. A critical moment occurred when Perišić was fouled in the penalty area, but the referee awarded a free‑kick instead of a penalty. Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simón, made a decisive save to deny the Croatian striker. With the score level, Merino once again proved decisive. In the 88th minute, he controlled the ball with his left foot and finished with a precise shot, securing the second goal for Spain and sealing the win. The victory guarantees Spain a spot in the Nations League quarter‑finals, where they will face England at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on November 15. The win marks Spain’s fourth consecutive qualification for the top eight of the Nations League, underscoring the team’s consistent performance under de la Fuente’s management.
Article source: El Nuevo Diario | Image credit: El Nuevo Diario
