Croatia will play in the Nations League final! This Wednesday evening, the Croats beat the Netherlands (4-2 ap) in the semi-finals and will face Italy or Spain on Sunday for the trophy.

In a first preliminary balance, the Dutch have found the fault after a first half-hour not very animated. Shifted into the area by Wieffer after a fine collective movement from the Oranje, Malen beat Livakovic with a cross shot from the right (1-0, 30′). Behind, the Croats were unable to pick up the pace to disrupt an opponent who was able to put the game down and quietly preserve his advantage until the locker room was sent back.

The second half was not so quiet for the Netherlands. The election of Ronald Koeman first conceded the equalizer on a penalty from Kramaric (1-1, 55th). Then Pasalic, with a steal in the area on a cross from Ivanusec, permission for the Croats to pass in front for the first time in this meeting (1-2, 73rd). Zlatko Dalic’s team then headed for qualification, but Lang gallised about additional time to send the two teams into overtime (2-2, 90th + 6)!

A final extra half hour dominated by Croatia. Entering the game at the start of extra time, Petkovic drew the « Vatreni » in front with a splendid strike (2-3, 98th). On the pass on this third appearance of his team, captain Modric then killed the suspense on the penalty spot (2-4, 117th) while Pasalic had found the bar three minutes earlier.