Kenya Sport

Spain Thrash Croatia 4-1 as Lamine Yamal Shines with Perfect 10/10 Performance

Lamine Yamal starred as Spain overwhelmed Croatia 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. The young winger scored twice and set up another, commanding the pitch from start to finish.

The match opened explosively with Yamal scoring within two minutes off a precise cross from Álex Baena. Croatia responded in the 28th minute when Dion Drena Beljo equalised with a header after some clever play from Ivan Perisic. Yet Spain quickly regained control, as Marc Pubill nodded home a corner from Yamal three minutes later to put La Roja ahead before halftime.

Spain dominated possession in the second half, holding 63.7% of the ball and stifling Croatia’s midfield efforts. Yamal added his second goal shortly after the hour mark, putting the result beyond doubt. Substitute Nico Williams sealed the win late on, maintaining Spain’s lead atop Group 3.

Player Ratings

  • Unai Simon - 6/10: Quiet night with only two shots on target to face; conceded the header but communicated well to prevent further threats.
  • Marc Pubill - 8/10: Outstanding attacking contribution, stretched Croatia’s defense and scored the crucial second goal; solid defensively.
  • Pau Cubarsi - 7/10: Composed and intelligent in handling physical challenges, helped maintain high passing accuracy.
  • Dean Huijsen - 7/10: Strong aerial presence and calm under pressure, kept Croatia’s chances minimal despite one defensive lapse.
  • Marc Cucurella - 7/10: Energetic runs forward while maintaining defensive vigilance against counterattacks.
  • Martin Zubimendi - 7/10: The team’s pivot, controlled possession and disrupted Croatia’s play before being replaced by Rodri.
  • Fabian Ruiz - 7/10: Blended physicality with skill, effective in half-spaces before making way for Pedri.
  • Álex Baena - 8/10: Creative throughout, supplied the assist for Yamal’s opener, constantly troubled Croatia, booked before substitution.
  • Fermin Lopez - 7/10: Tireless and disciplined, nearly scored with a powerful shot hitting the post, contributed to pressing before subbed out.
  • Lamine Yamal - 10/10: A perfect display; scored early, assisted Pubill’s header, and finished the game with a second goal. Dominated the left flank and caused constant problems for the Croatian defense.
  • Mikel Oyarzabal - 6/10: Led the attack selflessly, created space for teammates, had a goal disallowed for offside, less direct threat on goal.
  • Pedri - 8/10: Came on to boost creativity, assisted Yamal’s second goal with slick midfield play.
  • Mikel Merino - 7/10: Replaced Lopez, added toughness in midfield and assisted Williams’ late goal.
  • Nico Williams - 8/10: Impactful substitute, maintained pressure and scored a neat goal late in the match.
  • Victor Muñoz - 6/10: Provided fresh energy on the wing, nearly scored with a header soon after entering.
  • Rodri - 6/10: Took over late to steady the midfield and manage game tempo, also assumed captaincy.
  • Luis de la Fuente - 9/10: His tactics worked perfectly, trusting youth and making timely substitutions that produced goals and assists, showing squad depth.

Upcoming UEFA Nations League Matches

  • Croatia (CRO) vs England (ENG): 3 Oct 2026, 19:00
  • Spain (ESP) vs Czechia (CZE): 3 Oct 2026, 21:45

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