Spain delivered a commanding performance to thrash Croatia 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Seville. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, with two goals and an assist, was the star of a victory that solidifies La Roja's lead in League A, Group 2.
The match was decided early on. With just two minutes on the clock, Yamal finished from an Álex Baena pass to beat Dominik Livaković. Croatia equalised through Dion Drena Beljo in the 28th minute, but Spain's response was instant. Three minutes later, Marc Pubill, following another assist from Yamal, restored the lead for Luis de la Fuente's side.
Total control after the break
The second half confirmed the home side's dominance. Yamal appeared in the box again to finish a move started by Pedri in the 63rd minute, sealing the result. The manager's substitutions, introducing Mikel Merino and Nico Williams, added fresh energy. Williams himself put the icing on the cake in the 89th minute from a Merino pass, completing the 4-1 scoreline.
The team maintained 64% possession and created 16 shots. This win adds to the victory over England days earlier and extends Spain's unbeaten run to five consecutive wins.
Spain's next fixture is this Thursday, 3 October, again at home, against the Czech Republic. Another victory would move them closer to the Nations League finals. The team's form, with Mikel Oyarzabal as the top scorer this season with five goals, is a cause for optimism.
Manager Luis de la Fuente confirmed the starting eleven that beat Croatia. "The team is in a great moment," declared the coach. Spain, leaders in the World Cup standings with seven points, host the Czech Republic this Saturday at the Nuevo Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo. The team arrives with five consecutive wins, the latest a 4-1 victory over Croatia.
