Key Takeaways
- Spain secured a 4-1 victory over Croatia in their home debut.
- Harry Kane scored as England defeated the Czech Republic 2-0.
- Lamine Yamal scored a brace for Spain, while Anthony Gordon and Kane contributed to England's win.
Spain continued their winning streak in the UEFA Nations League with a 4-1 victory over Croatia at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in Seville. The match marked Spain’s first home game since lifting the World Cup in New York in July.
Captain Rodri presented the trophy to the ecstatic crowd, with Lamine Yamal scoring a brace to further boost Spain’s morale. The 19-year-old forward, who is among the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or, also scored in Spain’s 3-2 win against England at Wembley last week.
Croatia briefly levelled the scores through Dion Beljo’s header, but Marc Pubill restored Spain’s lead with a header of his own. Nico Williams sealed the win with a late goal, ensuring Spain’s lead in Group A3 with six points.
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, also secured a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the Fortuna Arena. The match was marred by an early red card for Pavel Sulc, who was sent off for a high challenge on Elliot Anderson in the 23rd minute.
England’s victory came courtesy of goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane. Gordon scored the first goal with a header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross, while Kane added the second in the second half.
Tuchel praised his team’s performance, stating, “We played very professional, second half we stepped up… Deserved victory.”
Spain now leads Group A3 with six points, while England sits in second place with a goal difference advantage over Croatia, which is third with three points.
The UEFA Nations League continues to showcase the talents of young stars like Yamal, who is expected to gain more recognition in the future.
The matches highlight the competitive nature of the tournament, with both teams demonstrating their strengths and ambitions in the group stage.
We played very professional, second half we stepped up… Deserved victory.
Thomas Tuchel, England manager
We were very excited to bring the trophy here.
Lamine Yamal, Spain forward
