So unlucky as they haven beaten in a penalty shootout! It's really heart-breaking to see Croatia come so close to victory yet fall short again. Their struggle is truly painful this UEFA Nations League edition. They truly deserved it because they've been trying hard for a long time. Despite not win the Nations League, they still have a great team. It's important for them to keep working hard and stay consistent, so this will pay off for the next generation of players. Congratulations to Spain for their win though.
Croatia came close to winning UEFA Nations League title with a 4-2 win against Netherlands. There was a lot of tension between the two teams from the start of the final match. Neither team scored in the entire 90 minutes, and when no goals were scored in extra time, they had to go to penalty shootouts. Spain won 5-4 on penalties at the end of the match although there was a chance for Croatia to win but it didn't happen. Finally, after 11 years of waiting, Spain is able to lift its international trophy. It is a big achievement for them.
Topic: ⚽ UEFA Nations League final four ⚽ - page 3. (Read 1487 times)
Croatia have zero titles achieved in team history. This must be really sad for such a capable team. I know that they haven't been impressive in Euro tournaments for years. But they got very close to winning another solid title in the 2018 World Cup and this year's Nations League. Back on the day of the World Cup finale France upset them.
And now Spain have caused an upset to them after a really tight competition during the final match. Croatia have been really trying but they just don't have the skill to finish the job after getting too close to success. Of course playing finales is a really good job. But this shows at the same time that they can do better with a special move. It would have been lovely to see Modric happy with a title won before his retirement from national football.
Indeed, Croatia are quite unlucky although the skills shown by the players. This generation is a golden one and hopefully the next one will be capable of maintaining the achievement done right now and why not win something. We should said that Croatia profited also from the decline of many teams such as Germany and Italy. These teams will be better in the future for sure. And now Spain have caused an upset to them after a really tight competition during the final match. Croatia have been really trying but they just don't have the skill to finish the job after getting too close to success. Of course playing finales is a really good job. But this shows at the same time that they can do better with a special move. It would have been lovely to see Modric happy with a title won before his retirement from national football.
Yesterday in the final match, the winner was decided on penalties.Both teams had plenty of scoring chances in the match, but there were no goals in normal time and the match went into extra time.In extra time there was still a goalless draw and Spain became the champion by defeating their opponent 5-4 on penalties.Both teams did not play badly but they could not make the most of their chances.Croatia had 12 shots while Spain had 21 shots but could not find a goal.It must be a shame for these two finalists that there were 33 shots in the match but no goals.
In a game where the two teams on the field are unable to score each other, it means that both of them are very strong, are familiar with one another's abilities, know how to attack one another, and really enjoy the match as it is. You shouldn't say that because we are talking about a game, and in a game, anything can happen.
Penalty is also a goal because it is a method used when teams are unable to score goals during matches or in the championship round, and it is during the penalty that the winner is determined.
I don't think it's the coach's fault that Croatia made a mistake in the penalty shootout... Yes, luck was not on their side, but in recent years Croatia have consistently achieved good results... All match and the extra two halves Croatia played as well as Spain... They also had some good chances, but Spain is a very strong team, so no one could score... The penalty shootout was just luck...
There can be no coach's mistake here, the penalty shoot-out is the moment where luck and the individual skill of the players decide a lot. Both Spain and Croatia deserved to be winners, but Spain got more lucky, and Croatia stops again one step before victory.
I think it's quite important to remember that this team has done as well as hoped for and I think it will be very important for them in the future. It's a small nation with a small population but they keep on providing football legends to the game and keep playing good football, that should be a roadmap to all those smaller nation for their future and see what they have done and replicate it.
Croatia have zero titles achieved in team history. This must be really sad for such a capable team. I know that they haven't been impressive in Euro tournaments for years. But they got very close to winning another solid title in the 2018 World Cup and this year's Nations League. Back on the day of the World Cup finale France upset them.
And now Spain have caused an upset to them after a really tight competition during the final match. Croatia have been really trying but they just don't have the skill to finish the job after getting too close to success. Of course playing finales is a really good job. But this shows at the same time that they can do better with a special move. It would have been lovely to see Modric happy with a title won before his retirement from national football.
And now Spain have caused an upset to them after a really tight competition during the final match. Croatia have been really trying but they just don't have the skill to finish the job after getting too close to success. Of course playing finales is a really good job. But this shows at the same time that they can do better with a special move. It would have been lovely to see Modric happy with a title won before his retirement from national football.
It was another heartbreaking loss for the Croatia National Team but the success Croatia has had over the years is unbelievable for a small country. The Croatia National Team should be proud of themselves. They reflect team play and team spirit to the fullest. They have achieved two finals and one semi-final success in the last five years with the football they played. Just they need a little more luck. The Spanish National Team conversely won the trophy eleven years later, after various disappointments. Wow.
I think this will be a big step for the future of the Spanish National Team. On the other hand both teams played great football throughout the match and i can say that i am saddened that Croatia lost. The team playing such a good football should have won the cup at the end of the final.
No doubt Spain is doing impressive in last few years, and they are also back on the track with this big win against team like Croatia which is currently the unluckiest team for me in Europe After the Netherlands because in last few years they have few good achievements even never able to win any trophy but still their performance is best.I think this will be a big step for the future of the Spanish National Team. On the other hand both teams played great football throughout the match and i can say that i am saddened that Croatia lost. The team playing such a good football should have won the cup at the end of the final.
We can expect good quality from them in coming years as well even right now they have few top quality players which are doing amazing for their country without any luck but keep going and having good results are also never been easy in European soccer which is having currently the best quality in the world.
But still good win for the Spain after one decade, hopefully things could be impressive in next year in Germany as well.
Yesterday in the final match, the winner was decided on penalties.Both teams had plenty of scoring chances in the match, but there were no goals in normal time and the match went into extra time.In extra time there was still a goalless draw and Spain became the champion by defeating their opponent 5-4 on penalties.Both teams did not play badly but they could not make the most of their chances.Croatia had 12 shots while Spain had 21 shots but could not find a goal.It must be a shame for these two finalists that there were 33 shots in the match but no goals.
It was another heartbreaking loss for the Croatia National Team but the success Croatia has had over the years is unbelievable for a small country. The Croatia National Team should be proud of themselves. They reflect team play and team spirit to the fullest. They have achieved two finals and one semi-final success in the last five years with the football they played. Just they need a little more luck. The Spanish National Team conversely won the trophy eleven years later, after various disappointments. Wow.
I think this will be a big step for the future of the Spanish National Team. On the other hand both teams played great football throughout the match and i can say that i am saddened that Croatia lost. The team playing such a good football should have won the cup at the end of the final.
We can see in the picture above how many heartbreaks Croatia has had in recent years and none of the international competition trophies they have won so far. I think this is Croatia's golden generation and it's not certain that after a few years there will be the generation of players like now. Spain did a good job and finally they won a major trophy after waiting for this moment for a long time. For me Spain and Croatia are the best and indeed Spain took a step ahead with this victory. I hope that Luka Modric will continue to be able to spread motivation to other young Croatian players so that they can continue to be enthusiastic about continuing the tradition they dream of in the future.
Yesterday in the final match, the winner was decided on penalties.Both teams had plenty of scoring chances in the match, but there were no goals in normal time and the match went into extra time.In extra time there was still a goalless draw and Spain became the champion by defeating their opponent 5-4 on penalties.Both teams did not play badly but they could not make the most of their chances.Croatia had 12 shots while Spain had 21 shots but could not find a goal.It must be a shame for these two finalists that there were 33 shots in the match but no goals.
It was another heartbreaking loss for the Croatia National Team but the success Croatia has had over the years is unbelievable for a small country. The Croatia National Team should be proud of themselves. They reflect team play and team spirit to the fullest. They have achieved two finals and one semi-final success in the last five years with the football they played. Just they need a little more luck. The Spanish National Team conversely won the trophy eleven years later, after various disappointments. Wow.
I think this will be a big step for the future of the Spanish National Team. On the other hand both teams played great football throughout the match and i can say that i am saddened that Croatia lost. The team playing such a good football should have won the cup at the end of the final.
So unlucky as they haven beaten in a penalty shootout! It's really heart-breaking to see Croatia come so close to victory yet fall short again. Their struggle is truly painful this UEFA Nations League edition. They truly deserved it because they've been trying hard for a long time. Despite not win the Nations League, they still have a great team. It's important for them to keep working hard and stay consistent, so this will pay off for the next generation of players. Congratulations to Spain for their win though.
Yea, and Spain also deserved it. Don't make it look like only one team deserved it. Spain also had to win their own matches and struggle to get to the final. Any team that would have won the final would have deserved it because they both played well.
Croatia can keep still fighting. They have a very good squad and they can prepare for the Euros next season. They have what it takes.
Let's see what's gonna be modric's decision regarding his career in international football.
Modric must also be aware if a young talented player shall also get a chance to play in the national team as well. His age is very old to play on the national team.
Modric must also be aware if a young talented player shall also get a chance to play in the national team as well. His age is very old to play on the national team.
I would not like Modric to retire from the national team yet. He may be old but he's still very good and I would like him to lead his team to another international tournament one last time. The Euro will be a great opportunity to do that. He may not be strong enough to play 90 minutes in every match or 120 minutes as the case may be, but he's a great motivation and inspiration to the other players.
So unlucky as they haven beaten in a penalty shootout! It's really heart-breaking to see Croatia come so close to victory yet fall short again. Their struggle is truly painful this UEFA Nations League edition. They truly deserved it because they've been trying hard for a long time. Despite not win the Nations League, they still have a great team. It's important for them to keep working hard and stay consistent, so this will pay off for the next generation of players. Congratulations to Spain for their win though.
Yea, and Spain also deserved it. Don't make it look like only one team deserved it. Spain also had to win their own matches and struggle to get to the final. Any team that would have won the final would have deserved it because they both played well.
Croatia can keep still fighting. They have a very good squad and they can prepare for the Euros next season. They have what it takes.
Let's see what's gonna be modric's decision regarding his career in international football.
Modric must also be aware if a young talented player shall also get a chance to play in the national team as well. His age is very old to play on the national team.
Modric must also be aware if a young talented player shall also get a chance to play in the national team as well. His age is very old to play on the national team.
I would not like Modric to retire from the national team yet. He may be old but he's still very good and I would like him to lead his team to another international tournament one last time. The Euro will be a great opportunity to do that. He may not be strong enough to play 90 minutes in every match or 120 minutes as the case may be, but he's a great motivation and inspiration to the other players.
So unlucky as they haven beaten in a penalty shootout! It's really heart-breaking to see Croatia come so close to victory yet fall short again. Their struggle is truly painful this UEFA Nations League edition. They truly deserved it because they've been trying hard for a long time. Despite not win the Nations League, they still have a great team. It's important for them to keep working hard and stay consistent, so this will pay off for the next generation of players. Congratulations to Spain for their win though.
Croatia came close to winning UEFA Nations League title with a 4-2 win against Netherlands. There was a lot of tension between the two teams from the start of the final match. Neither team scored in the entire 90 minutes, and when no goals were scored in extra time, they had to go to penalty shootouts. Spain won 5-4 on penalties at the end of the match although there was a chance for Croatia to win but it didn't happen. Finally, after 11 years of waiting, Spain is able to lift its international trophy. It is a big achievement for them.11 year wait, how come? Because in reality, this UNL just started in 2018/2019 so yes, how can Spain wait for this trophy for 11 years. But apart from that, basically Spain in this final match did play better by having domination during 2x45 and also in extra time. So yes, even though Croatia was able to hold Spain to a draw, but the reality is that Spain still deserves to win in this final match, because Spain can also play and has better quality than Croatia.
Damn. The victory for Croatia was so close, but they were unsuccessful in the lottery. But as they say, the strongest is lucky, so I congratulate the Spanish team on the trophy.
By the way, I hope that another silver will be a hint to Modric not to end his career in the national team, but to continue trying
I wouldn't call penalty shootout as lottery, now gaolkeepers and their coaches are really doing lot of preparation for penalties, they analyze all penalties made by their opponents before. My prediction about game didn't turned to be true, it was very typical final and it was equal game. Croatia lost penalty shootout after long break, they always been winning it in recent competitions.By the way, I hope that another silver will be a hint to Modric not to end his career in the national team, but to continue trying
I also thought about Modric. Gold today would be nice way to retire from nantional team, now he has reason to continue.
Yes, a penalty is not completely a lottery, since the skill of goalkeepers + analytical training of the headquarters is of great importance. But we all understand that there is definitely a part of the lottery (where everyone has a chance) - for example, Liechtenstein will never (well, or once every 100 games) beat Brazil in a serious match, but I'm sure that if you take the penalty shootout competition, they will win 20- 30% games minimum.
I wouldn't overestimate the analytical part because choosing a side to which you shoot or jump is still a lottery. If I am a penalty shooter and I know that I pick one side 8 out of 10 times over the other side, I could change my decision and use the other side and I wouldn't even have to be as accurate because the goalkeeper decides to stick with the 80% and haas no chance to defend the shot. There are some extraordinary penalty takers and it doesn't even matter whether the goalkeeper knows where the ball will hit. But there are also some weak penalty takers who really make it 50:50, trusting that the goalkeeper chooses a wrong side early. It is more about the shooter to make it a gamble than the goalkeeper. But I need to say that the Spanish penalties were really strong.
Croatia have given the best results in this game and although in the end had to settle for runners-up after a normal time draw with Spain. The match was quite fierce where both of them appeared with their best quality, but because there were no goals scored by both teams the match had to be continued on penalties. Unai Simon did look extraordinary in this match and even made several brilliant saves in normal time of the match and in the end he showed his quality in the penalty shootout by saving two penalty executions from the Croatian player.
Even though previously I chose Croatia as a champion candidate and the results in that match were quite satisfying because Croatia was able to keep up with Spain's game. Defeat on penalties is something that is difficult to predict and for me this is not so disappointing because Croatia has given the best results. Congratulations to Spain for winning the UEFA Nations League.
In my opinion, Croatia didn't create more chances and didn't play better than Spain, everyone had chances in regular time, but the defense was stronger than the attack that evening, so we didn't see a single goal. Moreover, I think that Spain could win at the end of the match, but Croatia's defense was reliable. At the same time, the match was not boring, because the teams created interesting moments, this is the case when 0-0 did not become a boring match.Even though previously I chose Croatia as a champion candidate and the results in that match were quite satisfying because Croatia was able to keep up with Spain's game. Defeat on penalties is something that is difficult to predict and for me this is not so disappointing because Croatia has given the best results. Congratulations to Spain for winning the UEFA Nations League.
In extra time, it seems to me that the teams created even more dangerous chances, everyone wanted to score and finish this match without a penalty, but this did not happen, and the penalty was already a game of luck, more lucky was Spain, congratulations on their victory!
Congratulations to Spain
It was very tough from beginning to the end and Spain have to win the day. There must be a winning in every finals. I really wished Modric would have lifted this cup but he tried his best but it didn't work for him
The hero of tonight was the Spanish keeper - Simon who saved 2 goals in the penalty shoot out.
I really love this season end. It is not boring, there are alot of matches to watch and to bet.
Croatia have given the best results in this game and although in the end had to settle for runners-up after a normal time draw with Spain. The match was quite fierce where both of them appeared with their best quality, but because there were no goals scored by both teams the match had to be continued on penalties. Unai Simon did look extraordinary in this match and even made several brilliant saves in normal time of the match and in the end he showed his quality in the penalty shootout by saving two penalty executions from the Croatian player.It was very tough from beginning to the end and Spain have to win the day. There must be a winning in every finals. I really wished Modric would have lifted this cup but he tried his best but it didn't work for him
The hero of tonight was the Spanish keeper - Simon who saved 2 goals in the penalty shoot out.
I really love this season end. It is not boring, there are alot of matches to watch and to bet.
Even though previously I chose Croatia as a champion candidate and the results in that match were quite satisfying because Croatia was able to keep up with Spain's game. Defeat on penalties is something that is difficult to predict and for me this is not so disappointing because Croatia has given the best results. Congratulations to Spain for winning the UEFA Nations League.
So unlucky as they haven beaten in a penalty shootout! It's really heart-breaking to see Croatia come so close to victory yet fall short again. Their struggle is truly painful this UEFA Nations League edition. They truly deserved it because they've been trying hard for a long time. Despite not win the Nations League, they still have a great team. It's important for them to keep working hard and stay consistent, so this will pay off for the next generation of players. Congratulations to Spain for their win though.
Croatia came close to winning UEFA Nations League title with a 4-2 win against Netherlands. There was a lot of tension between the two teams from the start of the final match. Neither team scored in the entire 90 minutes, and when no goals were scored in extra time, they had to go to penalty shootouts. Spain won 5-4 on penalties at the end of the match although there was a chance for Croatia to win but it didn't happen. Finally, after 11 years of waiting, Spain is able to lift its international trophy. It is a big achievement for them.
Yea, and Spain also deserved it. Don't make it look like only one team deserved it. Spain also had to win their own matches and struggle to get to the final. Any team that would have won the final would have deserved it because they both played well.
Croatia can keep still fighting. They have a very good squad and they can prepare for the Euros next season. They have what it takes.
Good win for this new Spain team with the mix of young players and a little experienced players from before, on winning a trophy, Spain is a country that is a football senior and have won many trophies, it is only fair that this new Spanish team continue in that way. It was a tough game and any team would have won since it was decided on a very close penalty score.Croatia can keep still fighting. They have a very good squad and they can prepare for the Euros next season. They have what it takes.
I would not like Modric to retire from the national team yet. He may be old but he's still very good and I would like him to lead his team to another international tournament one last time. The Euro will be a great opportunity to do that. He may not be strong enough to play 90 minutes in every match or 120 minutes as the case may be, but he's a great motivation and inspiration to the other players.
One more international competition, one more chance to win gold. For a small country like Croatia, they are really a strong team in football. 
In the 3rd place match, Italy defeated the Netherlands 3-2 and became the 3rd team to finish the tournament.If we look at the statistics, we can easily say that the Netherlands played a little better than Italy, got into more positions and kept the ball at their feet more, but we have seen again that winning the match is not completely related to these. In the first half, Italy had a comfortable first half, closing the first half 2-0 ahead with 2 goals in 20 minutes.In the second half, the match became faster.In the second half, as the Netherlands tried to close the gap, Italy did not allow this and in the end Italy was the winner.
Damn. The victory for Croatia was so close, but they were unsuccessful in the lottery. But as they say, the strongest is lucky, so I congratulate the Spanish team on the trophy.
By the way, I hope that another silver will be a hint to Modric not to end his career in the national team, but to continue trying
I wouldn't call penalty shootout as lottery, now gaolkeepers and their coaches are really doing lot of preparation for penalties, they analyze all penalties made by their opponents before. My prediction about game didn't turned to be true, it was very typical final and it was equal game. Croatia lost penalty shootout after long break, they always been winning it in recent competitions.By the way, I hope that another silver will be a hint to Modric not to end his career in the national team, but to continue trying
I also thought about Modric. Gold today would be nice way to retire from nantional team, now he has reason to continue.
Yes, a penalty is not completely a lottery, since the skill of goalkeepers + analytical training of the headquarters is of great importance. But we all understand that there is definitely a part of the lottery (where everyone has a chance) - for example, Liechtenstein will never (well, or once every 100 games) beat Brazil in a serious match, but I'm sure that if you take the penalty shootout competition, they will win 20- 30% games minimum.
Yesterday in the final match, the winner was decided on penalties.Both teams had plenty of scoring chances in the match, but there were no goals in normal time and the match went into extra time.In extra time there was still a goalless draw and Spain became the champion by defeating their opponent 5-4 on penalties.Both teams did not play badly but they could not make the most of their chances.Croatia had 12 shots while Spain had 21 shots but could not find a goal.It must be a shame for these two finalists that there were 33 shots in the match but no goals.
So unlucky as they haven beaten in a penalty shootout! It's really heart-breaking to see Croatia come so close to victory yet fall short again. Their struggle is truly painful this UEFA Nations League edition. They truly deserved it because they've been trying hard for a long time. Despite not win the Nations League, they still have a great team. It's important for them to keep working hard and stay consistent, so this will pay off for the next generation of players. Congratulations to Spain for their win though.
Yea, and Spain also deserved it. Don't make it look like only one team deserved it. Spain also had to win their own matches and struggle to get to the final. Any team that would have won the final would have deserved it because they both played well.
Croatia can keep still fighting. They have a very good squad and they can prepare for the Euros next season. They have what it takes.
Let's see what's gonna be modric's decision regarding his career in international football.
Modric must also be aware if a young talented player shall also get a chance to play in the national team as well. His age is very old to play on the national team.
Modric must also be aware if a young talented player shall also get a chance to play in the national team as well. His age is very old to play on the national team.
I would not like Modric to retire from the national team yet. He may be old but he's still very good and I would like him to lead his team to another international tournament one last time. The Euro will be a great opportunity to do that. He may not be strong enough to play 90 minutes in every match or 120 minutes as the case may be, but he's a great motivation and inspiration to the other players.
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