Spain made history on Tuesday night, defeating Croatia 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League in Seville to become the first international team in football history to go 40 fixtures without a loss.
A brace from Lamine Yamal led the European and FIFA World Cup champions to a commanding victory that extended their remarkable unbeaten run to a world record.
Yamal strikes early and late
The teen sensation needed just two minutes to put Spain ahead, firing past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic after Marc Cucurella broke down the left and Fermin Lopez played the key pass.
Croatia hit back in the 28th minute when Dion Drena Beljo headed home a cross from Ivan Perisic to level the scores. But Spain's lead was restored within three minutes — Yamal crossed from the right flank and Marc Pubill rose to head home, making it 2-1 at half-time.
Yamal struck again in the 63rd minute, shooting at the near post to leave Livakovic helpless and extend Spain's lead to 3-1. Nico Williams delivered the final blow with a right-footed curling effort into the far corner.
De la Fuente: This team has not reached its ceiling
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal after the match, saying: "I would highlight the work of Lamine Yamal both collectively and individually. He always puts his football at the service of the group. It is a stroke of luck that he is with us."
The World Cup-winning coach added that there is still room for improvement: "It is a very young team that has not yet reached its ceiling."
Sources: UEFA Nations League: Spain makes history with 4-1 win over Croatia — The Tribune | Spain Beat Croatia As Yamal Scores Brace — ETV Bharat
A brace from Lamine Yamal led the European and FIFA World Cup champions to a commanding victory that extended their remarkable unbeaten run to a world record.
Yamal strikes early and late
The teen sensation needed just two minutes to put Spain ahead, firing past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic after Marc Cucurella broke down the left and Fermin Lopez played the key pass.
Croatia hit back in the 28th minute when Dion Drena Beljo headed home a cross from Ivan Perisic to level the scores. But Spain's lead was restored within three minutes — Yamal crossed from the right flank and Marc Pubill rose to head home, making it 2-1 at half-time.
Yamal struck again in the 63rd minute, shooting at the near post to leave Livakovic helpless and extend Spain's lead to 3-1. Nico Williams delivered the final blow with a right-footed curling effort into the far corner.
De la Fuente: This team has not reached its ceiling
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal after the match, saying: "I would highlight the work of Lamine Yamal both collectively and individually. He always puts his football at the service of the group. It is a stroke of luck that he is with us."
The World Cup-winning coach added that there is still room for improvement: "It is a very young team that has not yet reached its ceiling."
Sources: UEFA Nations League: Spain makes history with 4-1 win over Croatia — The Tribune | Spain Beat Croatia As Yamal Scores Brace — ETV Bharat
