Reigning world champions Spain have extended their historic unbeaten record to 42 matches and have also clinched an early spot in the Nations League quarter-finals thanks to a 2-1 comeback win away to Croatia on Tuesday night.
Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsí represented Barcelona in the starting lineup and Fermín López came off the bench, but the hero of the night was another substitute as Mikel Merino scored both goals and sealed another victory for La Roja.
After a horrible loss to England at the weekend, Croatia were determined to play a more solid and physical game against the world champions, and were the better team throughout the half with the way they competed defensively and brought danger on the counter.
Spain didn’t help themselves and made a lot of silly mistakes in the buildup, and one of them led to a counter-attack that ended with a header by Ivan Perisic to give the hosts the lead. Croatia had a couple of other big chances thanks to Spain mistakes, and Unai Simón needed to make some important saves to avoid a two-goal deficit.
La Roja tried to react and dominated the ball without creating a true chance until the final play of the half, when Pedri found Lamine Yamal with an amazing through ball and the teenager tried to find the near post but hit the side netting instead.
Spain were behind at halftime and needing to play better with the ball, while Croatia looked to remain physical, passionate and intense to defend their lead in the second half.
Luis de la Fuente sent on his favorite super sub at halftime as Mikel Merino came on, and Spain also upped their urgency and started to create real danger with Yamal at the heart of the action.
Dani Olmo also became more influential, and it was his assist that set up Merino’s equalizer at the hour mark. Croatia did a very good job of defending and mostly frustrated the Spanish attempts at a winner, but Perisic was sent off for a second yellow card and Croatia couldn’t hang on for much longer.
Rodri, Pedri, Olmo and Yamal all came off in the second half but Fermín López was on the pitch and had a front row seat as he watched Merino receive a nice pass from Martín Zubimendi inside the box and fire a rocket into the roof of the net to complete the comeback at the death.
The final whsitle came to extend Spain’s historic unbeaten record and keep them all alone in first place in the group while also booking an early spot in the Nations League quarter-finals.
La Roja’s international window ends without any injuries for Barça players and with four good wins. Pretty good work from the world champs.
