2023-06-14 21:25:04
At the end of a long season, it’s still regarding the last title. Croatia is only one win away from that. In the final tournament of the Nations League, the Netherlands was defeated in a spectacular duel 4:2 (2:2/0:1) following extra time.
The second semi-final will be played by Spain and Italy on Thursday evening (8:45 p.m.), with the final on Sunday.
The Dutch wanted to offer something to the crowd at the legendary De Kuip in Rotterdam, trying to stretch the defense, but Croatia defended like they did at the World Cup.
There was only one chance to make it 1-0 – but Donyell Malen converted it. A nice combination via Champions League winner Ake landed at the Dortmund wing, which hit the corner (34th).
© Picture: REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
Turn in half two
After the break, Croatia striker Kramaric shot just wide (48′). The never tired Modric took out the penalty to make it 1-1. Gakpo first made the technical mistake and then plucked at the real old star. Kramaric scored confidently from the point (55′).
The 15,000 Croatian fans celebrated and got louder and louder. The favorite played strangely lethargically, even in their own penalty area. Perisic and Ivanusec were able to combine without pressure, the cross went right back to Mario Pasalic. Pasalic’s volley landed in the net unhindered by defender van Dijk (73′).
© Picture: REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
final offensive
Only now did the Dutch start the final offensive. Gakpo narrowly missed in the 91st minute. At the penultimate chance, Ake failed with a header (93rd).
At the end of injury time there was still a chance, and Joker actually scored Noa Lang to make it 3:3 (96th).
© Picture: REUTERS / WOLFGANG RATTAY
Another joker scored in extra time: Bruno Petkovic put a long-range shot right into the corner.
The goal from the Dinamo Zagreb striker was the starting signal for the next offensive in orange: Lang missed a top chance (110th).
Croatia celebrates at the end
But the Croatians had even more breathing room. Pasalic tricked and shot – once morest the crossbar (113th).
At the next attack, Petkovic might only be stopped by a foul. This time Modric put the ball to the point himself and hit the corner – with the 4:2 following 117 minutes a decision was made in this unexpectedly spectacular game.
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