Watch how Simon’s heroics in penalty kicks broke Spain’s 11-year winless streak and prevented Modric from winning the Nations League championship

The contest was remarkably dissimilar from the dramatic back-and-forth match at Euro 2021, which Spain won 5-3.

At Rotterdam’s De Kuip stadium on Sunday, the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League cycle came to an end with Spain, the 2021 champions, overcoming that final hurdle and defeating Croatia on penalties. Both teams had their share of opportunities but were unable to capitalise during the normal and overtime portions of the game.

Another defender, this time Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid, came forward to attempt and win it for Spain in sudden death. This time, there would be no error as Carvajal calmly sent the ball over Livakovic to give Spain its first Nations League championship and first trophy in more than ten years.