Netherlands vs Croatia final score, result (UEFA Nations League): Modrić masterclass

Netherlands

1^st place

2

Netherlands - Croatia

06/14/2023 18:45

UEFA Nations League

Highlight

Croatia

1^st place

4

Netherlands vs Croatia Highlights

In the 34th minute, a delightful move by the Netherlands created an opportunity for Donyell Malen to score the opening goal. The score remained 1-0 at halftime, but a questionable penalty allowed Croatia to equalize 10 minutes into the second half. This gave Croatia and Luka Modric, who was fouled for the penalty, a boost of confidence.

However, Modric wasn't directly involved in the second goal, which was converted by Kramaric after a well-executed buildup. Then, in the first half of extra time, Bruno Petkovic received the ball brilliantly and unleashed a powerful low shot from a long distance. It was a precise and impressive finish that deservedly secured the victory in the semi-final.

In the second half of extra time, Lang had an incredible opportunity to equalize once again but missed his close-range shot, hitting the side netting despite being unmarked at the back post. Pasalic then had a chance to seal the game, but he hit the crossbar from six yards out. Nevertheless, Croatia was awarded their second penalty when Petkovic was brought down by Malacia.

Modric stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, securing Croatia's place in the 2023 Nations League final.

Netherlands vs Croatia Highlights

Netherlands vs Croatia Summary

After suffering a defeat in the inaugural UNL final, the Netherlands were determined to make use of their home advantage, especially since they had won all but one of their previous 10 competitive matches on Dutch soil since the end of 2020. Croatia, as always, proved to be tough opponents, resulting in a cautious start to the match with only one shot on target for the raucous home crowd to cheer for.

Fortunately for Ronald Koeman's team, that shot found the back of the Croatian net. Nathan Aké played a square pass from the left that pierced through the visitors' defense, finding Mats Wieffer, who then set up Donyell Malen to score into the bottom corner, giving the Dutch a slim lead at halftime.

Over the past five years, Zlatko Dalić's team has repeatedly demonstrated that they don't panic when falling behind, and their composure under pressure once again helped them find a way back into the game. Luka Modrić took advantage of Cody Gakpo's lapse in possession inside his own box, resulting in a penalty when the Liverpool forward brought down the Croatian captain. Andrej Kramarić calmly converted the penalty from 12 yards, leveling the thrilling contest less than 10 minutes after the second half began.

Netherlands vs Croatia Summary

The Dutch struggled to recover from the setback, and Croatia capitalized on their play by scoring a goal. A low cross from Luka Ivanušec was volleyed into the net by Mario Pašalić. As the final whistle approached, the Croatian players' experience in big games became more apparent as they controlled possession and kept the ball away from their own penalty area for extended periods.

With time running out, the Netherlands threw everything at Croatia, and in the sixth minute of stoppage time, they finally found the equalizer. After the visitors failed to clear a set-piece, Noa Lang displayed remarkable composure to guide his shot high into the net, sending the match into extra time.

The momentum was with the Dutch after their last-minute equalizer, but it was Croatia who found the crucial fifth goal of the game. Bruno Petković, who had previously scored a memorable goal in extra time against Brazil in the World Cup, executed a superb turn before firing a shot from the edge of the area. The Dutch couldn't mount another comeback and were ultimately defeated by two goals when Modrić converted a penalty in the 116th minute, following a reckless challenge from Tyrell Malacia.

The Dutch team fell at the penultimate hurdle in the UNL and will now compete in the third-place play-off, while Croatia will face either Spain or Italy in the final as they continue their pursuit of a first-ever major trophy. Croatia took a significant step closer to their maiden major trophy by coming from behind to defeat the Netherlands 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League (UNL) semi-final at De Kuip in Rotterdam. Ronald Koeman's troubled return to the Dutch national team suffered its first loss in this UNL cycle.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Luka Modrić (Croatia)

Netherlands vs Croatia final score

Goals

• Netherlands : Malen (34'); Lang (90'+6)
• Croatia: Kramaric (55' pen); Pasalic (72'); Petkovic (98'); Modric (116' pen)

Netherlands vs Croatia confirmed line-ups

Netherlands vs Croatia confirmed line-ups

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