Nations League final | Spain wins as Unai Simon saves two Croatia penalties in shootout

SMA NEWS – ROME
Spain won the European Nations League 2023 after beating Croatia on penalties shootout in final on Sunday.
Spain’s 11-year trophy drought is over. Croatia and its veteran captain Luka Modric are still waiting for their first international title.

Goalkeeper Unai Simon saved two shots as Spain beat Croatia in a penalty shootout after their tense Nations League final had finished 0-0 Sunday.

The Bilbao goalkeeper used his feet to save a penalty by Lovro Majer when the shootout was level at 3-3 and then dived full-length to tip Bruno Petković’s spot kick around the post.

Dani Carvajal converted his penalty — with a “Panenka” chip — to seal the victory.

Spain coach Luis De La Fuente said Carvajal had taken penalties well in practice ahead of the final.

“He has a fantastic personality and that’s the way he decided to take it,” he said. “We have total confidence in his ability to take penalties.”

Spain’s other previous titles came in the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 1964, 2008 and 2012.