Merino Double Completes Spain's 2-1 Comeback in Croatia and Seals Nations League Quarter-Final Place
Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 at the Poljud Stadium in Split on October 6, recording a fourth straight Nations League win, securing a place in the quarter-finals and extending their unbeaten run to 42 matches. The crowd was 32,690.
The hosts struck first in the 17th minute: Unai Simón parried Matanovic's shot and Perisic headed in the rebound to put Croatia 1-0 ahead.
After the break, coach Luis de la Fuente sent on Mikel Merino and the game turned. Merino equalised in the 61st minute from a Dani Olmo pass; Perisic was sent off in the 79th minute for a second yellow card after fouling Cucurella; and in the 88th minute Merino controlled a Zubimendi pass in the box, turned and fired into the top corner for the winner.
With four wins from four, Spain have already qualified for the quarter-finals. First place in the group will be decided when they host England at the Metropolitano in Madrid on November 15.
(Source: Royal Spanish Football Federation)
Source: Royal Spanish Football Federation
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Inside Poljud Stadium, home of HNK Hajduk Split FC.jpg。CC BY 4.0 | Quintin Soloviev，Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: Inside Poljud Stadium, home of HNK Hajduk Split FC.jpg. CC BY 4.0 | Quintin Soloviev, via Wikimedia Commons.
