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Lamine Yamal Shines with Perfect 10/10 as Spain Crush Croatia 4-1 in Nations League

Lamine Yamal put on a masterclass performance, scoring twice and assisting once as Spain overwhelmed Croatia 4-1 at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. The teenager’s dazzling impact helped Spain secure top spot in Group 3.

The hosts took an early lead within two minutes when Yamal finished off an Álex Baena cross. Croatia struck back in the 28th minute through Dion Drena Beljo’s header after Ivan Perisic’s clever play, leveling the score unexpectedly.

Spain responded quickly, with right-back Marc Pubill heading home from a Yamal corner just three minutes later to make it 2-1 at halftime. Spain controlled possession with 63.7% in the second half, suffocating Croatia’s midfield. Yamal sealed the win with his second goal shortly after the hour mark, and substitute Nico Williams added a late goal to complete the scoreline.

Player Ratings: Goalkeeper & Defence

  • Unai Simon - 6/10: The captain had little to do apart from conceding the header by Beljo. He organized well behind the scenes, helping the young defence stay solid.
  • Marc Pubill - 8/10: Impressive attacking runs stretched Croatia’s defence. His header was crucial in restoring Spain’s lead. Defensively sturdy throughout.
  • Pau Cubarsi - 7/10: Calm under pressure, Cubarsi handled the physical threat efficiently and kept the ball moving swiftly from the back.
  • Dean Huijsen - 7/10: Strong in the air and positioned smartly to limit Croatia’s chances, despite one defensive lapse.
  • Marc Cucurella - 7/10: Energetic runs down the flank balanced offense and defense, preventing counter-attacks effectively.

Midfield Contributions

  • Martin Zubimendi - 7/10: The team’s anchor who recycled possession smoothly and broke up Croatia’s play before being replaced by Rodri.
  • Fabian Ruiz - 7/10: Combined strength and technique in half-spaces, maintaining possession dominance until subbed for Pedri.
  • Álex Baena - 8/10: Creative spark who assisted the opener early and troubled Croatia constantly until substituted for Nico Williams.
  • Fermin Lopez - 7/10: Hard-working and disciplined, unlucky to hit the post in stoppage time before making way for Mikel Merino.

Attack Highlights

  • Lamine Yamal - 10/10: A flawless display. Opened scoring in the 2nd minute, assisted Pubill's goal, and scored again after the hour mark. Dominated Croatia’s left flank relentlessly before being replaced.
  • Mikel Oyarzabal - 6/10: Led the attack selflessly, creating space for teammates but not posing a direct goal threat.

Substitutes & Manager

  • Pedri - 8/10: Came on to boost creativity, delivering the assist for Yamal’s second goal.
  • Mikel Merino - 7/10: Added toughness in midfield and assisted Williams’ late goal.
  • Nico Williams - 8/10: Made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring late to seal victory.
  • Victor Muñoz - 6/10: Fresh legs on the wing, nearly scoring with a header.
  • Rodri - 6/10: Controlled tempo in closing stages after replacing Zubimendi.
  • Luis de la Fuente - 9/10: Perfect tactics, trusting youth and timing substitutions flawlessly to maximize squad strength.

Upcoming UEFA Nations League Fixtures

  • Croatia vs England – 3 Oct 2026, 19:00
  • Spain vs Czechia – 3 Oct 2026, 21:45

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