Spain 4-1 Croatia
Lamine Yamal delivered another sensational performance as Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium in Seville. The 19-year-old scored twice and provided an assist to help the world champions maintain their perfect start to the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign.
Marc Pubill and Nico Williams also found the net for Luis de la Fuente’s side, while Dion Drena Beljo scored Croatia’s only goal. The victory moved Spain three points clear at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A3 with six points from two matches.
Lamine Yamal Opens the Scoring After Just 70 Seconds
Spain needed only 70 seconds to demonstrate why they are world champions.
A brilliant passing move involving several Spanish players ended with Alex Baena delivering a cut-back into the penalty area. Yamal met the ball first-time and curled a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The move featured 25 uninterrupted passes and ended before Croatia had enjoyed meaningful possession. It was also Yamal’s second extremely early goal of the international window after opening the scoring against England at Wembley.
Croatia recovered from their difficult start and equalised in the 28th minute. A well-delivered cross found Dion Drena Beljo inside the box, and the forward powered a header beyond Unai Simón to briefly silence the home crowd.
Yamal Assists Marc Pubill as Spain Retake the Lead
Croatia’s celebrations lasted only three minutes.
Yamal collected the ball on the right wing and delivered an excellent cross with his weaker right foot. Marc Pubill rose inside the penalty area and directed his header into the net in the 31st minute.
It was Pubill’s first goal for Spain’s senior national team and gave La Roja a 2-1 advantage heading into half-time.
The goal demonstrated another important element of Yamal’s game. Croatia attempted to prevent him from cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, but the winger responded by creating a goal with his right.
Yamal Completes His Brace Against Croatia
Spain continued to dominate after the break, controlling possession and forcing Croatia to defend deep.
Yamal scored his second goal in the 63rd minute. Pedri found the Barcelona winger inside the penalty area, and Yamal drilled a powerful finish past Dominik Livaković from a difficult angle.
The goal completed a remarkable individual performance from the teenager:
- Two goals
- One assist
- Direct involvement in Spain’s opening three goals
- 18 goal contributions in 10 matches this season
Yamal has now produced goals or assists against Croatia, England, Sevilla, Racing Santander, Levante, Feyenoord, Valencia and Rayo Vallecano during his outstanding start to the campaign.
At only 19, he is already playing like one of the most decisive attacking players in world football.
Nico Williams Completes Spain’s 4-1 Victory
Nico Williams added Spain’s fourth goal in the 89th minute.
The substitute attacked his defender with a series of stepovers before firing a powerful left-footed effort across the goalkeeper and into the net. It was an emphatic finish to another dominant Spain performance.
Croatia introduced Luka Modrić during the closing stages, with supporters from both countries giving the veteran midfielder a standing ovation. However, there was nothing Modrić could do to change the outcome as Spain comfortably protected their three-goal advantage.
Rodri Presents the World Cup Trophy in Seville
The evening began with a special celebration as Spain captain Rodri presented the FIFA World Cup trophy to the supporters before kick-off.
This was Spain’s first home appearance since becoming world champions, and the players marked the occasion with a performance worthy of that status. The hosts were confident in possession, aggressive when pressing and clinical in front of goal.
Spain have now won both of their opening Nations League fixtures, following their dramatic 3-2 victory over England at Wembley. They sit top of Group A3 with six points, while England and Croatia have three points each.
Their next Nations League assignment will be against the Czech Republic in Oviedo.
Can Anyone Stop Spain and Lamine Yamal?
Spain are showing no signs of slowing down following their World Cup triumph. Their squad combines experienced winners such as Rodri and Pedri with exciting young stars including Yamal, Pubill and Nico Williams.
Yamal remains the biggest attraction. His speed, close control, creativity and finishing make him extremely difficult to defend against. Even when opponents force him away from his preferred left foot, he can still deliver dangerous crosses and assists.
With two wins from two matches and Yamal producing extraordinary numbers, Spain are establishing themselves as one of the leading contenders to win the UEFA Nations League.
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