Croatia’s Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric delivered a surprising efficiency in further time, propelling the Vatreni to a 4-2 victory over the Netherlands within the Nations League semifinal on Wednesday.
The win not solely secured their place within the last but additionally highlighted Croatia’s experience in dealing with the strain of additional time.
Following their spectacular run to the World Cup semifinals final 12 months, Zlatko Dalic’s aspect once more confirmed why they’re thought-about extra-time specialists.
After a goalless first half, the match burst into life when Donyell Malen put the Dutch forward.
However, Croatia rapidly turned the tide, with Andrej Kramaric and Mario Pasalic discovering the online within the second half.
Just when it appeared victory was inside their grasp, Noa Lang scored a dramatic equalizer within the 96th minute, forcing the sport into further time.
Undeterred, Petkovic showcased his brilliance by evading Barcelona star midfielder Frenkie de Jong and unleashing a robust strike from exterior the field, reclaiming the lead for Croatia simply eight minutes into further time.
With the stress rising, Modric sealed the victory with a calmly taken penalty.
The Croatian crew’s triumph not solely brings them nearer to their first-ever Nations League trophy but additionally presents an opportunity for his or her elder statesmen, together with the enduring Real Madrid midfielder Modric, to savor worldwide glory.
Speaking after the match, Coach Zlatko Dalic expressed his pleasure, saying: “It’s a victory for the Croatian people. We defeated the Netherlands in front of their home fans, and Croatia has added another medal to its collection. It’s impossible, unreal, but she deserves it.” Dalic additionally praised the crew’s resilience, noting that their unwavering dedication to their nation was the driving power behind their success. “This is one of our greatest victories. To win 4-2 on their home ground, especially after conceding in the 96th minute, surely this is a victory that will be remembered throughout history.”
Croatia’s spectacular efficiency extends their outstanding streak, having suffered just one defeat of their final 16 matches in opposition to World Cup winners Argentina.
Their victory additionally shattered the Netherlands’ aspirations of claiming their first main title for the reason that 1988 European Championship.
Ronald Koeman’s aspect, ending as runners-up within the inaugural Nations League in 2019, confronted one other heartbreaking defeat on residence soil.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his disappointment, saying: “We fought like lions, but unfortunately, it was just not good enough today. It isn’t very pleasant. We knew it would not be easy, but we actually did quite well. We conceded two penalties, and we have to be better there. It’s hard to find the words right now.”
The match witnessed the inclusion of thrilling younger abilities in each groups.
Koeman deployed Malen on the suitable flank and launched Xavi Simons, a promising teen, for his fourth look with the Netherlands on the left.
The trio and Cody Gakpo orchestrated the opening purpose in a well-executed crew transfer that breathed life into the sport after a sluggish begin.
Croatia, nevertheless, displayed their resilience within the second half, with Kramaric delivering a exact strike from the left, narrowly lacking the far put up.
Their perseverance paid off as Modric, the 37-year-old veteran with 165 caps to his title, cleverly dispossessed Gakpo contained in the field, leading to a penalty.
Kramaric confidently transformed the spot kick, leveling the rating and igniting celebrations among the many Croatian followers.
The jubilation continued when Luka Ivanusec supplied an excellent cross for Mario Pasalic, who stabbed the ball residence from shut vary within the 73rd minute.
Despite the setback, the Netherlands fought valiantly, and Lang capitalized on a unfastened ball to revive parity.
However, Croatia, famend for his or her prowess in prolonged matches, remained unfazed.
Petkovic’s strike, discovering the online on the close to put up, proved decisive, leaving the Dutch aspect little time to reply.
As the stress escalated, Tyrell Malacia’s foul on Petkovic contained in the field resulted in a penalty, which Modric calmly transformed to seal the victory.
Having beforehand claimed bronze and silver within the World Cups of 1998, 2018 and 2022, Croatia now has its sights firmly set on securing their first-ever gold and etching their title in soccer historical past.
Coach Dalic succinctly summed up their aspirations: “We have bronze and silver; let’s go for gold so that we can finish this story.”
In the opposite semifinal, Spain and Italy will face off in Enschede on Thursday, promising one other thrilling encounter within the quest for Nations League glory.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
