Tin Jedvaj with a brace
Late drama as Croatia overcomes Spain
15.11.2018.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia national football team achieved its objective and defeated Spain to remain in UEFA Nations League Final Four contention, with Tin Jedvaj scoring an added-time winner in front of the full crowd in Zagreb.
CROATIA - SPAIN 0:0 (0:0)
UEFA Nations League, League A, Group 4.
Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb.
Referee: A. Kulbakov (Belarus)
Goals: 1:0 - Kramarić (54'), 1:1 - Ceballos (56'), 2:1 - Jedvaj (69'), 2:2 - Ramos (78' - 11m), 3:2 - Jedvaj (90+3')
Cautions: Rebić (70'), Perišić (88'), Busquets (88'), Ceballos (90+1')
Croatia: Kalinić, Jedvaj, Vida, Lovren, Vrsaljko, Brozović, Rakitić (68' Vlašić), Perišić, Modrić, Rebić (73' Brekalo), Kramarić (89' Pjaca). Head coach: Z. Dalić.
Spain: De Gea, Alba, Martinez, Ramos, S. Roberto, Ceballos, Busquets, Niguez (74' Suso), Isco, Rodrigo (60' Asensio), Aspas (63' Morata). Head coach: L. Enrique.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
In its third UEFA Nations League appearance, Croatia has finally broken the deadlock, scoring three against Spain and recording a victory that means the Wembley encounter with England will decide the top spot.
Spain visited Zagreb with pleasant memories of a 6:0 win in Elche, but Croatia came out running and failed to convert two major opportunities in the opening minutes (Perišić, Kramarić). The visitors then managed to balance the game - even took initiative - yet it was only Isco's effort before the break to trouble Kalinić.
MANDŽUKIĆ - SUBAŠIĆ - ĆORLUKA
As an introduction, retired silver-winning internationals Mario Mandžukić, Danijel Subašić, and Vedran Ćorluka received gifts, as well as standing ovations of the 33,018 spectators.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
The protagonists made amends in the second half. On 54 minutes, Spanish defence made a mistake, Perišić headed the ball forward to Kramarić, and Croatia striker cool-headedly beat De Gea (1:0).
However, the lead lasted only two minutes as Isco found Ceballos in the box (1:1), and Croatia did not wait long to retake the lead.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
On 69 minutes, Modrić's cross found Jedvaj at the far post and Croatia defender headed it in (2:1), yet the hosts could not celebrate for long. On 78 minutes, Vrsaljko handled the ball in the box, and Ramos easily converted the penalty (2:2).
In the meantime - to illustrate the excitement - Aspas hit the woodwork, Rebić was going one-on-one with De Gea, Vrsaljko cleared off the line, and Croatia introduced two youngsters, Vlašić and Brekalo. The climax was, unsurprisingly, still to come.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
As both teams were looking for a game-winning goal, Brekalo found some space to take a shot, De Gea parried, and Jedvaj was first on the rebound to secure a memorable Croatia victory (3:2). Zlatko Dalić's men can now travel to London to decide their UEFA Nations League destiny.
UEFA Nations League, League A, Group 4:
1. Spain 6 (4)
2. England 4 (3)
3. Croatia 4 (3)
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Copyright by Croatian Football Federation. Quoting text from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to HNS as a source and providing direct link to the original content at hns.family. Re-use of the photographs is not permitted.
- Latest
- Trending
Impressions after winning bronze: ‘Shock, satisfaction, joy, emotions times a hundred!
07.02.2026.
Croatia beats France to win Historic European bronze!
07.02.2026.
Iva Olivari appointed Deputy General Secretary of the Croatian Football Federation
27.01.2026.
Aljoša Asanović appointed HNS ambassador at the World Cup
21.01.2026.
Annual HNS workshop on club licensing and financial sustainability held
20.01.2026.
Scoreboard
Next match
Friendly match
Colombia
Croatia
27.03.2026.
Table
WC2026 (Q)
- 1.Hrvatska8+2222
- 2.Češka8+1016
- 3.Farski Otoci8+212
- 4.Crna Gora8-99
- 5.Gibraltar8-250
