Full TimeSecond Half ends, Netherlands 2, Croatia 3.Post updatePenalty conceded by Tyrell Malacia (Netherlands) after a foul in the penalty area.Post updatePenalty Croatia. Luka Modric draws a foul in the penalty area.Post updateOffside, Netherlands. Cody Gakpo tries a through ball, but Donyell Malen is caught offside.Post updateAttempt blocked. Mario Pasalic (Croatia) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.Post updateAttempt saved. Luka Modric (Croatia) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.Post updateAttempt blocked. Donyell Malen (Netherlands) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.Post updateAttempt saved. Luka Modric (Croatia) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Croatia One Win Away From First Major Title After Dramatic Uefa Nations League Semi-Final
Croatia are one win away from their first major title after a dramatic Uefa Nations League semi-final against hosts the Netherlands. Substitute Bruno Petkovic struck from distance in extra-time before Luka Modric’s penalty settled the game in Rotterdam. A 96th-minute Dutch equaliser from Noa Lang had denied Croatia in normal time, but Zlatko Dalic’s side will now play Italy or Spain in Sunday’s final, while the Dutch face a third-place play-off.
The Netherlands Take Early Lead
Coming at the end of a long season – Nathan Ake, Denzel Dumfries and Marcelo Brozovic all played just four days after featuring in the Champions League final – both sides struggled to reach a competitive tempo in the early stages. But, by the end, fans inside De Kuip had witnessed a frenzied thriller. The Dutch, roared on by a colourful and boisterous crowd, found their rhythm first as Donyell Malen opened the scoring on 34 minutes. A nice passing move from the hosts reached the Borussia Dortmund striker 16 yards out, and he slotted into the bottom corner.
Croatia Fightback
Croatia, however, controlled possession better and eight minutes after the interval, Modric – making his 165th international appearance – capitalised on a loose touch from Cody Gakpo and was brought down in the area by the Liverpool forward. Andrej Kramaric calmly slotted the penalty down the middle. Croatia, who came from behind to beat Canada, Japan and Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar last year, looked to have completed yet another turnaround with 18 minutes to play. Luka Ivanusec lifted in a cross which Mario Pasalic swept in first-time from 10 yards.
Dutch Equalise Late On
The Netherlands – with former Manchester United loanee Wout Weghorst brought on as a substitute – bombarded the Croatian box in response with crosses and long balls, finding reward in the sixth minute of stoppage time as Lang cleverly struck home a loose ball.
Extra-Time Winner Seals Croatia’s Place In Final
But this Croatia side have built their reputation on never knowing when to quit. Their approach was exemplified by Modric, who claimed his side’s fourth goal and is now within reach of historic international silverware to go with his trophy-laden club career at Real Madrid. Substitute Bruno Petkovic slammed a fine strike past the Netherlands keeper Justin Bijlow before Modric’s penalty with four minutes left sealed victory for Croatia.
Croatia To Play Italy or Spain In Sunday’s Final
Croatia have reached just their second international final, following the 2018 World Cup where they were beaten 4-2 by France. For the Dutch, their international trophy drought now extends to beyond 35 years – they have not won a major title since the 1988 European Championships. It also continues Ronald Koeman’s inauspicious start to his second spell as the Netherlands manager, having lost 4-0 to France in a Euro 2024 qualifier in March.
Magical Modric Close To International Glory
Modric is now within reach of historic international silverware to go with his trophy-laden club career at Real Madrid. The 37-year-old talisman has been instrumental in Croatia’s success this tournament and his experience and leadership will be key if they are to beat either Italy or Spain in Sunday’s final and lift their first major title.