Lamine Yamal produced another outstanding performance as world champions Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in Seville to maintain their perfect start to their Nations League campaign.
The 19-year-old Barcelona forward scored twice and provided an assist as Spain extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches. Before kick-off, Spain midfielder Rodri presented the World Cup trophy to the home crowd, marking the national team’s first match on home soil since their triumph in July.
Yamal continued his impressive form almost immediately. Just 70 seconds after kick-off, he opened the scoring with a left-footed finish, following his goal in Spain’s 3-2 victory over England at Wembley on Saturday. Croatia responded in the 28th minute when Dion Beljo headed home an Ivan Perisic cross to bring the visitors level.
Spain regained the lead only three minutes later. Yamal delivered a precise cross into the area, which Marc Pubill met with a header to make it 2-1. Fermin Lopez then struck the woodwork late in the first half as Spain continued to dominate.
Yamal eventually restored Spain’s two-goal advantage after the break, beating Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic at his near post for his second goal of the night. The Barcelona youngster was facing his club team-mate, with Livakovic guarding Croatia’s goal. Nico Williams completed the scoring with a composed finish after a driving run, giving Spain a convincing victory in their first home appearance since winning the World Cup.
Spain now have six points from two matches in Group A3, putting them three points ahead of both England and Croatia.
