Spain 4-1 Croatia: Yamal Stars in Nations League 

Lamine Yamal scored twice and assisted Marc Pubill as Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in Seville to take control of Nations League Group A3.

Lamine Yamal delivered two goals and an assist as Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in Seville.

The winger scored in the second minute and created Marc Pubill’s goal after Dion Beljo equalised. Yamal struck again before substitute Nico Williams completed the victory.

Spain’s second consecutive Nations League win took them to six points and sole Group A3 leadership. Croatia and England have three points; the Czech Republic have none.

Spain vs Croatia match details

How Spain overwhelmed Croatia

Spain required barely 70 seconds to score. Patient passing moved Croatia across the pitch before the attack accelerated. Álex Baena’s delivery reached Yamal, who finished with his left foot.

The goal captured Spain’s blend of control and speed. Martín Zubimendi and Fabián Ruiz circulated possession before Yamal, Baena and Fermín López accelerated between Croatia’s lines.

Croatia levelled in the 28th minute when Beljo beat Dean Huijsen aerially and headed beyond Unai Simón.

Spain responded three minutes later. Yamal created space and supplied Pubill, whose first senior international goal restored the lead.

Spain retained control after the restart. Substitute Pedri released Yamal down the right, and the winger squeezed his second goal inside Dominik Livaković’s near post.

Mikel Merino found substitute Nico Williams, who scored the fourth in the 89th minute.

Lamine Yamal controls the contest

Yamal scored twice, created Pubill’s goal and repeatedly forced Croatia backwards. He could remain wide, attack the inside channel or combine with midfield runners.

His opening finish rewarded Spain’s collective structure, his assist showed vision, and his second goal displayed composure from a difficult angle. Croatia never reduced his influence.

The display continued his excellent campaign after Spain’s 3-2 victory over England.

Spain 4-1 Croatia statistics

The numbers show Spain’s superiority in chance creation.

Spain converted four of eight shots on target and restricted Croatia to five attempts. Croatia’s 27 clearances reflected sustained defensive pressure.

Tactical lessons from Seville

Spain’s possession remained purposeful. Zubimendi and Fabián created passing angles, while Pubill and Marc Cucurella provided width that isolated Yamal against defenders.

Croatia showed resilience when Beljo equalised but could not control midfield. Their narrow defensive block left room for Spain’s wingers. Late substitute Luka Modrić could not change the contest.

De la Fuente’s substitutes maintained intensity: Pedri helped create the third goal, and Williams scored the fourth.

What the result means for Group A3

Spain lead Group A3 with six points. England and Croatia have three each; the Czech Republic has none.

Spain next host the Czech Republic in Oviedo on 3 October before visiting Croatia on 6 October.

Croatia host England on 3 October, then receive an immediate opportunity to respond against Spain three days later.

What the match means for Ugandan supporters

The 9:45 p.m. EAT kick-off suited Ugandan supporters who follow players from La Liga and other European competitions.

Barcelona fans saw Yamal dominate and Pedri influence the second half. Williams scored, while Croatia offered familiar names including Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić and Modrić.

For Ugandan coaches and young players, Spain’s opening goal showed how controlled passing and a sudden tempo change can break an organised defence.

For many viewers in Kampala and other Ugandan towns, the match offered more than a headline result. It placed several of Europe’s most recognisable young players in a competitive international setting and showed how Spain transfer club-level technical habits into the national team. 

The contrast with Croatia was also instructive: experience and physical strength produced Beljo’s equaliser, but Spain’s spacing and rapid support around the ball eventually decided the contest. 

That balance between individual quality and coordinated movement is a useful discussion point for local academies, coaches and football fans following European football throughout each season.

Spain versus the Czech Republic starts at 9:45 p.m. EAT on 3 October. Croatia versus England begins at 7:00 p.m. EAT.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Spain vs Croatia final score?

Spain beat Croatia 4-1 in Seville.

Who scored for Spain against Croatia?

Lamine Yamal scored twice. Marc Pubill and Nico Williams also scored, while Dion Beljo replied for Croatia.

What were the main match statistics?

Spain recorded 60 percent possession and 16 shots. Croatia managed five shots.

Where are Spain and Croatia in Group A3?

Spain have six points. Croatia and England have three each; the Czech Republic have none.

When do Spain and Croatia play next?

Spain hosts the Czech Republic while Croatia welcomes England on 3 October. Spain then visit Croatia on 6 October.

Follow Nations League football on Bangbet Uganda

Adults aged 25 and above can visit Bangbet Uganda to view available international football fixtures and match markets. Gambling involves financial risk, and no outcome is guaranteed. Set firm limits, never chase losses, and treat betting only as entertainment. Read the Bangbet responsible-gambling guide before playing.

Verdict

Spain combined possession, width and individual quality to defeat Croatia. Yamal excelled, while Pubill, Zubimendi and the substitutes provided balance.

Croatia’s equaliser created brief uncertainty, but Spain responded confidently. Six points from two matches place the world champions firmly in control of Group A3.