Spain secures UEFA Nations League 2023 after 5-4 win on penalties over Croatia

They secure a major title after more than 10 years

After a goalless draw in the finals of the UEFA Nations League in Rotterdam, Spain defeated Croatia 5-4 on penalties to break an 11-year title drought.

For the initial meeting in a Nations League final, neither custodian was really put to the test throughout regulation time or the additional 30 minutes.

Unai Simon made two saves from Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic on penalty kicks to deny Zlatko Dalic's team a second consecutive international championship.

Luis de la Fuente Castillo's side won their initial UEFA Nations League as they beat Croatia 5-4 on penalties in the final. The game went into penalties after both nations failed to separate from each other in normal time.

This is their first-ever major trophy since they last won Euros in 2012. Spain, who were eliminated in the round of 16 of the World Cup by Morocco finally got the secure trophy after so long.

However, this outcome is a big boost for Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, who took over for Luis Enrique after the World Cup after spending ten years in command of his nation's young teams.

La Roja, who made numerous standout picks, thoroughly deserved their victory. Alvaro Morata and Rodri both had decent opportunities as Spain fully dominated the second half.

The opening half of Sunday's final was far more subdued in compared to Italy's exciting 3-2 victory against the Netherlands in their third-place playoff, with both teams probing but failing to make breakthroughs.