UEFA Nations League final: Spain vs Croatia

Spain have reached back-to-back UEFA Nations League final after Joselu scored an 88th-minute winner.

The 2010 World Cup champions faced Italy on June 15 in the second semi-final and the match ended 2-1 in favour of Luis de la Fuente Castillo’s men.

Spain will now face Croatia in the UEFA Nations League 2022-23 final.

This was a really tight match between these two European giants. Spain took an early lead after Yeremy Pino capitalised on Bonucci’s mistake and scored the opener in the 3rd minute. Italy were awarded a penalty soon after for a handball. Ciro Immobile stepped up to the task and converted from the spot in the 11th minute. Italy scored another goal but it was ruled offside.

Both teams were creating chances in the second half but the match was heading to another extra-time. Joselu was introduced from the bench in the 84th minute and scored the winner after four minutes.

In the first semi-final, Croatia also earned a hard-fought win against the Netherlands. It was 2-2 in the first 90 minutes of the match. The match went to extra-time and Croatia showed a bit of magic. Luka Modric dominated the midfield and sent his side to their first-ever UEFA Nations League final. The match ended 4-2 in favour of Croatia.

Now these two teams will face each other in the UEFA Nations League final. Croatia reaches the last two for the first time and Spain lost the final last time to France. This is the third Nations League final and a new winner will be crowned.

Spain last won the UEFA Euro in 2012, while Croatia reached the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018. They also finished third in the 2022 World Cup.