Key Takeaways
- Mikel Oyarzabal's late goal helped Spain defeat England 3-2 in the Nations League.
- England captain Harry Kane missed a penalty, affecting the outcome of the match.
- Spain's unbeaten run extends to 39 matches, while England struggles against top teams.
Mikel Oyarzabal's late goal secured a 3-2 victory for Spain over England in the Nations League on Saturday. The match, played at Wembley, saw Spain's ambitions and resilience shine through, despite England's efforts.
The game began with a quick goal for Spain, courtesy of Lamine Yamal, who capitalized on a defensive error by Marc Guehi. England, however, turned the tide just before halftime, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scoring to level the score at 2-2.
England had a chance to take the lead when Harry Kane was awarded a penalty after a VAR review. However, Kane's slip as he took the shot meant his effort hit the bar, leaving England trailing 2-1.
Despite the setback, England remained competitive, but Oyarzabal's late goal in the 74th minute sealed the victory for Spain. 'This team is very ambitious and doesn’t want to stop winning,' said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, highlighting the team's determination.
England's performance was marred by a costly penalty miss, which captain Harry Kane acknowledged. 'I think it was a great game to watch and to play in; some of the attacking play was at the highest level,' he said, adding, 'But I think in a game like that mistakes cost you.'
Spain's victory extended their unbeaten run to 39 matches, while England's struggles against top teams continued. 'Penalties happen. He never really misses, so we’ll let him off with that one,' said England's Anthony Gordon, showing a positive attitude despite the defeat.
In a separate match, Luka Modric, the 41-year-old Croatian captain, continued to impress, scoring the opening goal for Croatia against the Czech Republic. Croatia's victory in Prague extended their unbeaten run, showcasing Modric's enduring impact on the team.
The performances of both Oyarzabal and Modric highlighted the high standards set by top teams in the Nations League. Spain's reinvention and England's persistent challenges make for an exciting competition.
The Nations League continues to provide thrilling encounters, with Spain's victory over England and Croatia's success against the Czech Republic setting the stage for future matches.
This team is very ambitious and doesn’t want to stop winning.
Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach
I think it was a bit of a missed chance.
Anthony Gordon, England player
