Modric seals Nations League semi-final win for Croatia over Netherlands

Croatia scored twice in extra time to beat the Netherlands 4-2 in their Nations League semi-final in Rotterdam on Wednesday.

Bruno Petkovic, on as a substitute, scored with a stunning shot from the edge of the penalty area eight minutes into the additional period to put Croatia on their way, with Luka Modric making sure of the triumph with a late penalty, the visitors’ second of the game. The first was scored by Andrej Kramaric on 55 minutes.

The Netherlands, hosting the four-nation tournament, had taken the lead through Donyell Malen’s goal on 34 minutes but were increasingly outplayed by Zlatko Dalic’s side.

Kramaric equalised for them before Mario Pasalic’s volley deservedly put the 2018 World Cup runners-up ahead. That appeared to be the winner at the Feyenoord Stadium but Noa Lang forced extra time with a 96th-minute equaliser for Ronald Koeman’s team.

Croatia eventually prevailed and will play either Italy or Spain, who meet in the second semi-final in Enschede on Thursday, in Sunday’s decider, seeking a first-ever major title.