Spain have been crowned the Nations League champions for the first time in Rotterdam as Dani Carvajal converted the winning penalty.
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Astonishingly, Spain beat Croatia 5-4 on penalties to clinch Nations League glory as they celebrated their first trophy win since Euro 2012.
However, Croatia and Luka Modric missed out on their first international trophy after losing on penalties to Spain in the Nations League final after the game finished goalless after 120 minutes.
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Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic named Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic in midfield, with Andrej Kramaric leading the line.
In addition, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente opted to persist with Alvaro Morata up front despite Joselu’s late winner in the semi-final win over Italy.
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Carvajal, and Rodri hail Spanish success
Dani Carvajal said: “Very happy for us. It was a unique opportunity. We were knocked out early in other championships and today we had to take advantage of it.
“We had confidence in the penalties and it turned out well. “I knew how to shoot it. I knew I would be the sixth [taker]. I gave a talk motivating in the huddle and I got emotional. I wanted to do it like Panenka and it turned out well”.
Rodri said: “We are very happy. It has been a very difficult game and it took a lot from us. “This generation promises a lot. We have been very strong mentally. There are things to improve, but we always win well. We must celebrate it.”
Italy Seal Nations League Bronze against Hosts Netherlands
Italy sealed a third-place finish in the Nations League finals on Sunday, with a 3-2 win over disappointed hosts the Netherlands.
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However, Ronald Koeman’s Dutch side started the week determined to win their first trophy since 1988’s European Championship but they fell short on home territory in both matches, losing the semi-final against Croatia on Wednesday.
Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi struck first-half goals for Euro 2020 winners Italy in Enschede as the Netherlands started slowly.
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Despite, Steven Bergwijn pulling one back with 20 minutes remaining but Juventus forward Federico Chiesa quickly restored Italy’s advantage to ensure they would take bronze, despite Georginio Wijnaldum pulling another goal back.
Koeman has now lost three of his four games since being reappointed as Netherlands coach in January.
