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Croatian jubilation after the 3-2 win
Photo: WOLFGANG RATTAY / REUTERS
The Croatians won the first semi-final of the Nations League against the Netherlands 4:2 (2:2, 0:1) after extra time. In Rotterdam, Dortmund's Donyell Malen scored the opening goal for Oanje (34'), Andrej Kramarić (55') and Mario Pasalić (73') scored for the Croatians in the second half, before Noa Lang equalised (90'+6). Bruno Petković (98') and Luka Modrić (117') made the decision.
In the past 15 international matches, including against France, Belgium and Brazil, Croatia had conceded more than one goal only once. Accordingly, even without Joško Gvardiol, who was so outstanding at the tournament in Qatar, the World Cup third-place finisher initially relied on his defensive strength.
For half an hour, the Dutch didn't come up with much in terms of play, only a shot attempt by Teun Koppmeiners brought halfway danger to the Croatian goal (32nd).
But the hosts of the Nations League final tournament took advantage of the first unsortedness: Mats Wieffer kept track of things in the opponent's penalty area and served Malen in a half-right position. The 24-year-old, who had a strong second half of the Bundesliga season at BVB, took advantage of the space and finished in the far corner (34th).
Kramarić and Pasalić turn the game around
A misfire by Liverpool's Cody Gakpo brought the Croatians back into the game: he brought down Modrić in his own penalty area, Kramarić converted the penalty kick safely (55th). Croatia now with the upper hand and the 2:1: Pasalić scored by direct acceptance from seven meters (73rd). In the last minute of injury time, Lang, who came on as a substitute shortly before the end of the game, forced extra time with a deliberate shot under the crossbar (90+6).
A fresh man scored there: Petković also celebrated shortly after he was brought in. With a touchdown from just under 20 meters, he overcame Justin Bijlow in the Dutch goal (98th). Instead of making it 3-3, Lang only hit the back of the net (110th), Pasalić hit the crossbar (114th). In the 117th minute, Modrić converted the second penalty for Croatia to make it 4-2.
Koeman with false start
For the Dutch national coach Ronald Koeman, the defeat in only the third game of his second term is a further setback: After the 0-4 defeat against France on his debut, the mood around the national team had already cooled considerably. Croatia, on the other hand, are on the verge of winning their first title in their international history.
Sunday's final
On Thursday evening, Spain and Italy will face each other in the second semi-final. Kick-off in Enschede is at 20.45 CET. On Sunday, the match for third place (15 p.m., Enschede) and the final (20.45 p.m., Rotterdam) will take place. The search is on for France's successor. The French had secured the title against Spain in 2021, and Portugal had won the inaugural edition of the competition in 2019.
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