Spain tightened their grip on UEFA Nations League Group A3 after substitute Mikel Merino scored twice to lead a 2-1 comeback win over Croatia.
The world champions had to work for all three points after Ivan Perisic gave Croatia an early advantage. But Merino transformed the contest after coming off the bench, scoring twice in the second half to give La Roja their fourth win from four matches.
For football fans in Kenya following the Nations League, the result further underlined Spain’s credentials as one of Europe’s teams to beat.
Croatia Responds to England’s Humiliation
Croatia entered the match desperate for a reaction after suffering a humiliating 7-0 defeat to England in their previous outing.
Slaven Bilic’s men delivered exactly that during an impressive opening spell.
The hosts took a deserved lead in the 17th minute. Mateo Kovacic found Igor Matanovic, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved the initial effort. Ivan Perisic reacted quickest, heading home the rebound to put Croatia 1-0 ahead.
Spain’s defense looked unusually vulnerable. Simon nearly gifted Croatia another chance when Nikola Vlasic intercepted his pass and found Matanovic, but the goalkeeper recovered with an important save.
Spain Turns Up the Pressure
Spain gradually took control as the first half progressed.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal both threatened shortly before the break, hinting at what was to come after half-time.
Luis de la Fuente introduced Mikel Merino, and the Arsenal midfielder quickly changed the match’s complexion.
Dani Olmo went close with a diving header before Spain finally equalized in the 61st minute. Croatia failed to clear their lines properly, allowing Olmo to tee up Merino, who calmly swept a left-footed finish into the net.
Croatia 1-1 Spain.
Perisic Red Card Changes the Contest
Croatia refused to surrender despite Spain’s growing dominance.
Perisic nearly restored the hosts’ advantage after capitalizing on a misplaced Martin Zubimendi pass, but Simon produced another crucial save.
Moments later, however, Croatia’s task became considerably harder.
Perisic received his second yellow card following a challenge on Marc Cucurella, reducing Croatia to ten men and inviting sustained Spanish pressure.
Spain immediately began searching for the winner.
Merino Strikes Again
Croatia appeared increasingly likely to escape with a point as their defense resisted wave after wave of Spanish attacks.
Merino had other ideas.
Zubimendi picked out his Arsenal teammate, who controlled the pass brilliantly before unleashing an unstoppable left-footed strike beyond Dominik Livakovic.
It was a superb finish and the decisive moment of the contest.
Merino’s second goal completed Spain’s comeback and secured their first away victory in Croatia at the third attempt.
Mikel Merino Proves Spain’s Difference-Maker
Merino could hardly have made a greater impact.
Introduced at half-time, the midfielder scored both of Spain’s goals and demonstrated the extraordinary depth available to Luis de la Fuente.
Spain can call upon technically gifted players such as Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Martin Zubimendi, but Merino’s intelligent movement and clinical finishing ultimately settled the encounter.
His performance also offers De la Fuente another selection headache ahead of Spain’s remaining Nations League fixtures.
What the Result Means for Group A3
The Croatia 1-2 Spain result leaves La Roja firmly in control of UEFA Nations League Group A3, having collected four victories from their opening four matches.
Croatia, meanwhile, have now suffered consecutive defeats.
Yet there were encouraging signs for Slaven Bilic. After being dismantled 7-0 by England, Croatia produced a far more competitive performance against the world champions and were close to securing a valuable point despite finishing with ten players.
Spain, however, continues to find ways to win.
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Final Verdict
Croatia 1-2 Spain was a tale of resilience, squad depth and one outstanding substitute.
Croatia responded admirably to their nightmare against England and deservedly went ahead through Ivan Perisic, but his eventual dismissal proved costly. Spain steadily increased the pressure before Mikel Merino’s second-half brace completed the comeback.
Four games. Four victories.
Spain remain perfect in Group A3, and with match-winners capable of emerging from almost anywhere in their squad, La Roja are rapidly establishing themselves as one of the teams to beat in this UEFA Nations League campaign.
