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Despite the loss to Spain in the Nations League final, Croatia were still able to continue a recent tradition
Croatia continued its incredible knockout stage run in the final of the UEFA Nations League where they eventually succumbed to defeat against Spain on penalties.
Croatia lose Nations League final to Spain in dramatic penalty shootout
The Kockasti put up yet another dogged display as they dragged Spain to extra time and penalties before losing out as Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon emerged the hero for his side with two saves in the penalty shootout from Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic to earn Spain their first title since the 2012 European Championship win and the maiden trophy under new boss Luis de la Fuente.
Croatia themselves were aiming for the first international trophy in the country’s history after falling short at the final of the World Cup in 2018 and the semifinals in 1998 and 2022.
They were unable to claim the ultimate prize on the night, but still left with their pride intact after continuing a remarkable record that has stretched back 15 years.
Croatia continue knockout stage tradition against Spain
With the final of the UEFA Nations League going beyond 90 minutes, Croatia proved once again that they are masters of dragging games out even against supposedly stronger opponents, with their resilience on show once again against La Roja.
The final was the 10th time this century that Croatia had played a knockout game at the senior international level that eventually went to extra time or penalties out of 13 possible attempts.
The Kockasti have now played extra time in the knockout stages of two World Cup tournaments and three European Championships, as well as in the semifinal and final of this year’s UEFA Nations League.
More often than not, Croatia have been successful in navigating the extra time encounters, winning six of the last eight attempts, losing only twice, both times to Spain.
The Spanish side appears to be Croatia’s kryptonite in these situations having knocked them out of Euro 2020 with a 5-3 victory after extra time and now beating them to the Nations League trophy after a tense penalty shootout.
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