Spain dismantled Croatia 4-1 on matchday two of the Nations League, inspired by a masterclass and a clinical brace from Lamine Yamal in the two-time world champions’ first match on home soil.
It all began in dreamlike fashion. Straight from the opening whistle, without the visitors even registering a touch and following an intricate sequence of 25 passes from the world champions, Lamine Yamal drove a sensational low strike into Dominik Livakovic’s far corner. It was an exquisite finish befitting the flowing build-up that picked out his left boot, even if that 1-0 advantage proved short-lived.
A positional mix-up between Pau Cubarsi and Dean Huijsen gave Slaven Bilic’s men a route back into the contest. Ivan Perisic whipped an inviting cross into the corridor between them, where Dion Beljo used his aerial presence to power home an equaliser for 1-1. Parity lasted just three minutes, however, before Marc Pubill restored order with an emphatic header to make it 2-1.
Determined to establish full control, Lamine Yamal took centre stage once again to stretch the lead to 3-1. Pedri Gonzalez unlocked the Croatian backline with a defence-splitting ball into space, releasing the ’19’ clean through from an acute angle. The difficulty of the chance? None whatsoever. Showing ruthless cunning, he targeted the near post and clinically beat the goalkeeper.
With the Ballon d’Or debate dominating footballing discourse, the ‘La Roja’ talisman proved that he sits wherever he pleases. Neither at anyone else’s table nor defined by comparisons, he is forging his own legacy, while the present looks blindingly bright for the two-time world champions, who are aiming just as high as they did back in 2010.
Spain: Nico Williams delivered the crowning moment with a dazzling solo effort to cap the 4-1 rout. Luis de la Fuente’s tactical machinery is operating like clockwork; enriched by the flair and incisiveness of their wingers, they bordered on perfection. The only minor blemish was Alex Baena’s naivety, conceding reckless fouls and picking up a booking.
Croatia: Despite the comprehensive defeat, the visitors improved considerably after the interval. Slaven Bilic’s substitutions helped stem the tide, most notably the introductions of Franjo Ivanovic and Luka Modric. The iconic ‘Checkered Ones’ playmaker brought the entire stadium to its feet for a thunderous standing ovation, with even the opposing manager joining in the applause.
