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Tin Jedvaj with a brace

Late drama as Croatia overcomes Spain

15.11.2018.

Late drama as Croatia overcomes Spain
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

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