Spain maintains its romance with the League of Nations

The Spanish men's national soccer team continues its love affair with the Nations League, a competition of which it is the reigning champion. Yesterday, they reached the final four for the third time in a row after defeating the Netherlands in a match that was tight in the first half, hectic in the second half, went into extra time, and was decided on penalties. They struggled and with a bit of luck, yes. But 'la roja' won (3-3, 5-4).

Lamine Yamal didn't need to be at his best. In fact, the Barça winger had a rather weak performance, far from his usual unbalanced form and with great difficulty combining with his teammates. He seemed to be crying out for Luis de la Fuente to replace him. But the coach from Haro preferred to wait. Time proved him half right. Because in extra time, in a trademark move, receiving the ball in space, taking on the defender, and finishing from the edge of the box, he scored for Spain. In the penalty shootout, however, he missed his penalty. Fortunately, it wasn't decisive.

The first leg had ended in a 2-2 draw, and the Spanish coach decided to make changes. That day, the result was better than the match. Just as it was in the second leg. Spain didn't have possession for much of the match, and only reacted and began to impose their authority when Pedri entered the field. However, individual errors severely penalized the team.

It seemed like a game Spain would have won, scoring early through Oyarzabal, who converted the penalty he himself had forced. Nico had a clear chance to score the second. But 'La Roja' missed, and the Netherlands equalized thanks to a Memphis shot. Oyarzabal, with a fortunate finish, scored the second. But just as everyone was celebrating, Maatsen, taking advantage of a mistake by Barça's Dani Olmo, equalized again.

The match was being played at Mestalla, where 'la roja' hadn't made one since 2019. The choice had a charitable component, for DANA. And the reward was an uncertain and exciting match. Extra time began with Lamine's success and ended with a collective defensive error that resulted in a penalty and a goal by Xavi Simons.

Everything was left pending penalties. Both teams scored the first three. Then Lamine Yamal missed. But so did Lang. They scored the fifth and the sentence reached the sixth. Malen missed. Piedra, didn't. Spain is in the semifinals.