Spain qualify for Nations League quarter-finals

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Croatia 1 - 2 Spain

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scored twice as world champions Spain recovered from a goal down to beat Croatia in the Nations League and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Author | Jack L

Stadium | Stadion Poljud

View from the stands at Croatia v Spain

Luis de la Fuente's side went into the game seeking an 11th consecutive victory, but found themselves behind in the 17th minute when Ivan Perisic headed home.

Croatia had been thrashed 7-0 by England in their previous Nations League fixture but earned a standing ovation at half-time after producing a much-improved display.

Spain, though, grew stronger after the break and levelled in the 61st minute when Dani Olmo capitalised on a poor clearance and picked out Merino, who made no mistake.

READ MORE | Nations League news on European Super Football

Lamine Yamal saw a goalbound effort blocked as Spain pressed for a winner, before Perisic was sent off for Croatia moments after seeing a powerful shot saved. The 37-year-old was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella.

The dismissal proved costly

Spain snatched all three points two minutes from time. Merino latched on to a superb pass from his Arsenal team-mate Martin Zubimendi before producing a brilliant finish.

Spain sit top of League A Group 3, three points clear of England, who comfortably beat the Czech Republic 3-0 on Tuesday.

Location: 8 Mediteranskih Igara 2, 21000, Split, Croatia

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