It was an intense match in the Netherlands as Croatia and Spain competed in what is a tight duel of forces. At the end of two halves and extra time, Spain was better, grabbing the first UEFA Nations League title.

In the first half, the match was balanced with the two squads that were careful not to concede and were studying each other. The Croatian midfield with Modric, Kovacic, and Brozovic kept the balance in the team from the Balkans. Meanwhile, Spain were aggressive with Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, and Rodri to attack and also to see more the target of Dominic Livakovic

But none of the teams produced no goals as both coaches Zdravko Dalic and Luis de la Fuente were also cautious to keep their starting eleven in high rhythm. Croatia tried to hit the target four times and Spain hit the target six times. Spain had more ball possession at the end of the first half, but Croatia were more effective, producing three attempts on target.

At the first of the second half things changed for better in the Spanish side but the nets remained untouched. Croatia had the ball possession and started building up from the defense. Spain has difficulties building up and loses the ball in their half.

So the game was in the Spain’s half and Croatia were more dangerous with Juranovic and Perisic. Both wings are up and their speed was putting Spain under real pressure. But the positive transition of Croatia was not as accurate as Croats would have desired to score and open the game.

At the other end Asensio has a clear chance to put Spain ahead but it was unlucky. Croatia were insisting in both arms and in the center with Modric and Pasalic having their chances. Jordi Alba was covering its arm against Pasalic, who was also the first substitute of the game. He was replaced by Bruno Petkovic, who sent Kramaric to the right side and took his position in the center.

Spain also made two substitutions in the 66-rd minute. Jeremy Pino and Alvaro Morata were out and Joselu and Ansu Fati were on creating a new way of playing for the Spanish side. The things were balanced after the substitutions and Spain has more freedom to play.

Juranovic, Petkovic and Brozovic tried to make some good passes in that right wing but the pressure from Rodri makes things really difficult for Croatia. Meanwhile Spain has more clarity in the possession making things easy. Rodrigo Cascada is their main man in the midfield.

Spain starts the play with Laporte and in the 76-th minute Ruiz has a chance with the empty target to score the first goal. La Roja continues to insist and creates with Jesus Navas and Asensio, but the result remained untouched.

Robin le Normand is out for Nacho in the 78′ minute. Croatia is having the ball and tries to keep the ball as long as possible and to risk. Croatians play close with each other and leave no space for counters. In the 81’th minute Luka Modric has the initiative but is fouled by Gavi, who has an aggressive style of play.

Both teams were defending with a 4-4-2 shape and this was also the shape that both teams used to create the counters. Modric tries to create with Spain trying to stop the counters. Asensio has a chance in the last minute of the game but the result remains unchanged.

In the 91-st minute Kramaric is out and Mayer is in. Kramaric had a very good game so far and this is a positive performance for him and also a good sign for Croatia to keep playing with high intensity. The last corner of the game and Croatia has the last chance with the match that goes in the extra time.

At the beginning of the first extra time half Croatia has the possession. Spain tries to recuperate with Navas that is intense. Minute 97, Carvajal takes his place to keep the things fresh in the right side. At the end of the first half Olmo has a chance with the ball that ends out of the target. The Rotterdam spectacle needed to another quarter an hour to decide the winner.

The first half of the extra time found Spain starting the game and creating the chances. Ansu Fati delivers some pace in the left side but with no results. Olmo has a second chance to score but his effort from 17 meters finds a deflection and ends wide.

Croatia tries to get themselves up with Modric that played an exceptional game. He combined with Kovacic to create a chance for Petkovic, but it was offside.

Juranovic made place for Stanisic in the 111′-th minute to refresh the right wing. Rodri tries in the 116-th minute but without success. The last minute of the game sees Croatia in the attack but Unai Simon controls the ball nullifying the last corner of Croatia.

At the roulette of the penalties, Spain profited by the double save of Unai Simon to be in advantage and win the title for Spain.