Lamine Yamal scored twice as world champions Spain continued their winning start to the UEFA Nations League with a 4-1 victory over Croatia in Seville on Tuesday.
The match at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan marked Spain’s first home appearance since they lifted the World Cup in New York in July. Captain Rodri was presented with the trophy by 2010 World Cup winner and Sevilla legend Jesus Navas before showing it to the home crowd.
Spain needed just 75 seconds to celebrate again as Yamal fired them ahead with an early finish.
Croatia responded before the half-hour mark when Dion Beljo headed in Ivan Perisic’s cross to level the score.
Spain restored their advantage three minutes later. Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill rose to head in a cross from Yamal and put the hosts back in front.
IMF Presses Pakistan to Complete SOE Law Amendments Before Board Review
Yamal then extended Spain’s lead in the 63rd minute, finishing accurately at the near post to take his tournament tally to three goals. The 19-year-old had also scored in Spain’s 3-2 victory over England at Wembley in their opening match.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal’s development and contribution to the team.
“We’ve enjoyed his magic in the service of the team,” De la Fuente said, adding that the young forward would become increasingly recognised for his performances and influence.
Nico Williams completed the scoring in the 89th minute with a composed finish after a sharp individual move.
The victory gives Spain six points from two matches and puts them top of Group A3. Croatia remain on three points, behind second-placed England on goal difference.
In Prague, England claimed their first win of the group with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
The hosts played with 10 men from the 23rd minute after Pavel Sulc was sent off for a high challenge on Elliot Anderson. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Czech Republic held England scoreless in the opening half.
Anthony Gordon finally broke the deadlock shortly after the interval, heading in a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made his first England start in almost two years.
Gordon has now scored three goals in his last three appearances for England, including goals against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final and Spain.
Harry Kane doubled England’s advantage in the 69th minute after the ball fell to him inside the penalty area, allowing the captain to fire past goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
England will travel to Rijeka to face Croatia on Saturday, while Spain will host the Czech Republic in Oviedo.
Elsewhere, Scotland suffered a 3-0 defeat to Switzerland in Group B1 after an early red card at Hampden Park.
Slovenia moved into second place in the group after beating North Macedonia 2-0 in Ljubljana.
