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Spain held their nerves to win the UEFA Nations League final by defeating Croatia 5-4 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in Rotterdam. Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal converted the winning spot-kick after Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved efforts from Croatia's Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic. Spain's triumph saw them seal a fifth major trophy and become the second nation after France to have won the World Cup, European Championship, and the Nations League.
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Manchester City pair Rodri and Aymeric Laporte, who scored and missed for Spain respectively in the shoot-out, have won a fourth major trophy of the season. Croatia defeated the Netherlands 4-2 after extra time in their semi-final on Wednesday to book their spot in the Nations League final. They had been hoping to win their first major tournament but once again returned with empty hands.
Nations League Final: What happened in the match?
Spain did not have one shot on target in a poor first half of regulation time, while Laporte's last-ditch tackle thwarted Andrej Kramaric, and Ivan Perisic's header forced Simon into a diving save. Spain went close in the 58th minute when Marco Asensio headed their best chance up to then just over from the over-lapping Jordi Alba's cross. Croatia responded through Mario Pasalic's header, after another ball in from Perisic, before Spain stepped it up, with Fabian Ruiz's chipped effort and Asensio's shot on the turn both going close. Spain went closer to breaking the deadlock in the 86th minute when Perisic blocked Ansu Fati's shot on the goal-line following fellow substitute Mikel Merino's cut-back.
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Croatia substitute Majer was also denied by last-ditch defending as his shot after a counter-attack was blocked by Nacho in the first period of extra time. Spain threw caution to the wind in the second period and finished the game on top. Dani Olmo and Asensio's shots deflected for a corner. Croatia blocked Rodri's shot as the third Nations League final went to penalties. Unai Simon saved Majer's penalty with his legs. Laporte had the chance to finish the tie but he hit the crossbar as the game went into sudden death. Petkovic got denied by Unai Simon and Carvajal converted a nerveless winner.