Spain 6-0 Croatia
Many were looking forward to the kind of fireworks UEFA Nations League: Spain vs Croatia will bring to the league. The Vatreni are still at a high after making history last summer. They also have the UEFA Player of the Year in their ranks. Meanwhile, Spain were trying to forget the misery of Russia and come out of their first two games running.
This game had all the hallmarks of an instant classic where two incredible sides would be playing toe to toe. Spain vs Croatia odds were rather tight in the lead-up to the match.
However, what the crowd witnessed was a one-sided marauding handed out by La Roja. Croatia looked nowhere the imposing team that terrorised Argentina and England in the summer.
This is the fury of the Spanish Red, and brilliant plays by Marco Asensio and friends dominate Spain vs Croatia highlights! Everyone better beware Luis Enrique’s side from here on out!
Highlights of the game
The first ten minutes of the match saw the ball go from end to end as both nations tried to get the early advantage. The runners-up of the 2018 World Cup were well inside Spain’s half of the pitch and were fighting for possession. Ivan Rakitic got a loose ball just outside the danger zone in the sixth minute and fired a shot that flew wide of the right post.
It only took two minutes for Spain to fire back a warning shot to the Croats. Daniel Carvajal was found on the right side of the pitch and made a good inside pass to the goal. A Croatian shirt was able to get to the ball first and kicked it away for a corner they were able to contain easily.
The first real chance of the game came in the fourteenth minute. Mateo Kovacic handled a great long ball dangerously close to goal. He made a rather sloppy pass to Ivan Santini, and the Anderlecht forward made a dangerous shot attempt from three yards. Unfortunately for the visitors, the ball shot just wide of the goal mouth.
Bad news hit Croatia and Inter fans as Sime Vrsaljko had to come off the game due to an injury. Croatia’s misfortunes doubled when La Furia Roja struck first in the 24th minute. Carvajal fired a cross close to the goal. A rushing Saul jumped like a Salmon to receive the ball and head it into the goal. There was nothing Kalinic could do about it.
Croatia tried to get even, but Spain just dominated possession and were constantly making attacks. Spain then secured their foothold into the game when Marco Asensio got on form and wreaked havoc on Kalinic’s keeping stats.
A myriad of passes saw the Real Madrid man open in the middle of the pitch in the 33rd minute. He unleashed a strong shot from distance to catch the Gent keeper off guard. Three minutes later, he found space on the right wing, made a cut inside, and fired a long shot from 20 yards that hit the crossbar and hit Kalinic’s head before hitting the Croatian net.
We can be more than sure that Zlatko Dalic encouraged his team to perform better during the half-time break, but whatever positive mood they have was squashed as Rodrigo converted the fourth goal for Spain. Asensio made a beautiful through pass to allow Rodrigo all the time in the world to score. The Brazil-born striker aimed the shot through Kalinic’s legs to humiliate the Gent stopper even further.
The scoring rampage doesn’t stop there as the captain joined in on the scoring. He jumped high to receive a 57th-minute corner and head the ball to the goal. Words cannot justify the hopelessness painted among the faces of the Croatian backline.
At this point in the game, many Croatian fans watching from their homes have already turned off their TVs. That was probably a good decision as Isco scored a brilliant sixth goal on 70 minutes from the middle of the penalty box. The ball flew right up to the top bins, and Kalinic had no chance of saving that shot.
Rodrigo, Isco, and Thiago Alcantara had their cracks at the goal, but the Croatian defence was somehow able to get their acts together. The game ended after three minutes of additional time, and Spain walked out of the Estadio Manuel Martinez as very happy winners.
Key statistics
Marco Asensio has frustrated the fans with his inconsistent play with the national team, but the 22-year-old’s first international goal is one to remember. He also has a hat-trick of assists to boast of, all of which were supplied in the second half of the game.
Danijel Subasic’s retirement from international football has left a gaping hole in between the sticks for the Vatreni, and his absence was sorely missed by Dalic. Kalinic did everything he could to stem the tide, but he could barely contain the seven shots on goal made by La Roja.
Luka Modric, who was supposed to dominate the game with his presence, was neutralised by Enrique and was a non-factor the entire match. He had made zero key passes and ended the game with a poor 5.93 rating.
The last time Spain scored more than five goals was in a friendly against Argentina in March where La Roja had a 6-1 goal fiesta.
What’s next?
Spain will be full of confidence when they face Wales in October. The Dragons were humbled by Denmark in their last time out, and Ryan Giggs can expect an equally tough match against Luis Enrique’s lads.
Meanwhile, Croatia will be picking up the pieces as they host England next month. The Three Lions will be dangerous at the attack, and they cannot afford any more slip-ups defensively. Modric will also have to step up his game if he wants to improve his nation’s chances.
SBOBET will surely keep an eye on how these two teams will play their subsequent matches.
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