‘Enrique was the problem’ – Fans abuzz as Spain lift Nations League 2023 beating Croatia on penalties

The 2022–23 UEFA Nations League season came to a close on Sunday in Rotterdam’s De Kuip stadium with Spain emerging as champions after winning the decisive match against Croatia on penalties. During the regular and extra periods of the game, both teams had opportunities but were unable to take advantage of them.

Early in the game, Croatia made mistakes that Spain could have taken advantage of, but poor finishing and the offside flag kept the score tied. Ivan Perisic of Tottenham was a constant threat to Spain’s left flank, and Marco Asensio’s header and Rodri’s long-range shot also came close for Croatia. Perisic was also present at the defense to clear an Ansu Fati shot off the line. The match was significantly different from the one that Spain won 5-3 at the Euro 2021.

Dani Carvajal scored the winning spot kick for Spain

Chances were more limited in overtime, and penalties determined the outcome. Croatia has had great success in penalty shootouts during competitions, defeating Brazil and Japan in shootouts at the Qatar 2022 World Cup as well as Denmark and Russia in the most recent competition. Due to their consistency in shootouts, which is mostly attributable to the talents of their custodian Dominik Livakovic and Croatian legend Luka Modric, Croatia has won silver and bronze at the last two World Cups.

The narrative would be different this time. After the first three rounds of penalties, which resulted in a score of 3-3, both teams’ penalty shooters displayed great skill. Both goalkeepers were helpless. Unai Simon, Spain’s number one custodian, made the first save from a poor penalty for Lovro Majer giving Spain the advantage.

After Asensio and Perisic completed their shots, Aymeric Laporte had the chance to win the game with the winning penalty. However, the tale would take a turn since Laporte’s attempt was overly ambitious and missed the mark. In sudden death, Dani Carvajal stepped out to try and win it for Spain. Carvajal effortlessly fired the ball over Livakovic this time, giving Spain its first Nations League victory and first trophy in more than ten years.

Here’s how fans reacted: