(Cricket news) Spain defeated Italy in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League and now they have defeated Croatia in the finals to break their 11-year drought for international cricket. Croatia’s ‘golden generation’ is yet to win a trophy and the wait is still going on. Luka Modric’s future is now under the scanner as he said: “I’ve already made my decision but I won’t announce it today.” New Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will get a lot of confidence from this win. This Spanish squad has some real quality players they just need to turn up for the big games. 

Croatia made one change to their line-up as Sassaulo center-back Martin Erlic replaced Domagoj Vida. Spain also made one change as Marco Asensio replaced Rodrigo on the right wing. The first 45 minutes was pretty even with both teams getting half-chances. The biggest chance of normal time came in the 85th minute when Mikel Merino set up Ansu Fati. The Barcelona forward’s shot was goalbound but Ivan Perisic managed to clear it off the line. In extra time Croatia had an incredible opportunity when Lovro Majer was through on goal. Substitute Nacho managed to get in a brilliant last-ditch tackle to stop a certain goal.

The match went to a penalty shootout where both teams scored their first three spot kicks. Lovro Majer was the first player to miss but he was given a life when Aymeric Laporte hit the bar when he had a chance to win it. Thankfully for Spain, Bruno Petkovic missed the next penalty. Dani Carvajal was given the responsibility of taking a potentially match-winning penalty. The Real Madrid man calmly hit a panenka to win it for Spain.

Also read: Ruben Neves to complete a £47m move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia