Key Takeaways
- Lamine Yamal scored twice for Spain in a 4-1 win over Croatia.
- England defeated 10-man Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague.
- Spain's unbeaten run now stands at 40 matches.
Lamine Yamal scored twice as Spain extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches and maintained their perfect start to Nations League Group A3 with a 4-1 home win over Croatia on Tuesday.
The match, a repeat of the 2023 Nations League final, saw Spain recover from conceding an early goal to equalise, with Lamine opening the scoring in the second minute.
Alex Baena’s ball into the area was dummied by Fermin Lopez, and Lamine curled a first-time low shot inside the far post, giving Spain the lead.
However, Croatia drew level through Dion Beljo’s 28th-minute header, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Spain took less than three minutes to retake the lead, with Lamine whipping a cross into the six-yard box from the right wing, and Marc Pubill powering a header beyond Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
In the 63rd minute, Lamine scored his second and Spain’s third, collecting Pedri’s pass in the box before drilling his shot into the net from a tight angle.
Substitute Nico Williams wrapped up the win with an 89th-minute goal, ensuring Spain’s unbeaten run continued.
England, meanwhile, overcame 10-man Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague, with Anthony Gordon scoring the opening goal two minutes after Czech defender Pavel Sulc was sent off for a foul on Elliot Anderson.
England struggled to find a way past the Czechs in the opening half, even with a numerical advantage, but Gordon’s goal sent Thomas Tuchel’s side on their way.
Morgan Rogers hit the post, and Elliot Anderson’s goalbound follow-up shot was blocked by Robin Hranac, before England’s chances were boosted by the red card for the hosts.
Tuchel told ITV, 'Strange to get an early red card, not the best for the team and spectators. It’s an awkward one but we kept going, got a win and that’s what counts.'
He’s a special player
Nico Williams, England player
Strange to get an early red card, not the best for the team and spectators
Thomas Tuchel, England manager
