Spain advances to semi-finals after thrilling tiebreaker over Netherlands
Spain took the lead twice in the 90 minutes and three times in extra time in a dramatic match. However, each time the Netherlands fought back and took the match to a tiebreaker. There was a fierce battle there too. But in the end, the Dutch could not prevail. As a result, the Spanish advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League.
The second leg of the quarter-final in Valencia on Sunday night drew 3-3. It ended 5-5 on aggregate. Spain later won 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice for Spain on the day, and Lamine Yamal scored once. Memphis Depay, Jan Matsen and Xavi Simmons each found the net for the Netherlands.
Spain took the lead in the eighth minute with a successful spot kick by Oyarzabal. The forward himself was fouled in the Netherlands box, resulting in a penalty for the hosts.
Depay equalized the score in the 54th minute from the penalty spot. The referee awarded the penalty after he was fouled in the box by Spanish defender Robin Le Normand.
Spain took the lead again in the 67th minute with a brilliant counterattack. The Aguan goalkeeper blocked Oyarzabal’s first attempt after receiving Williams’ pass into the box, and the Real Sociedad forward headed the ball into the net.
But the Netherlands equalized for the second time in the 79th minute with a great goal from debutant defender Matsen. He found the address with a powerful corner shot from outside the box.
Yamal gave Spain the lead for the third time in the 103rd minute of extra time. The young Barcelona winger controlled Dean Hausen’s high ball from midfield and entered the box, avoiding defender Matsen’s obstacle and scoring with a left-footed shot at the far post.
However, their relief did not last long. In the 109th minute, Xavi Simmons made the scoreline 3-3 from the penalty spot and 5-5 on aggregate. The referee awarded a penalty after he was fouled by goalkeeper Simon.
In the tiebreaker, both teams had their first three shots. The fourth shot taken by Netherlands’ Noah Lang hit the crossbar. Spain’s Yamal’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Both teams scored in the fifth shot. Then, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simmons saved Donyell Malen’s shot. The home team was overjoyed when Pedri sent the ball into the net.
Do Follow: greenbanglaonline24
