Netherlands 2-4 Croatia: Luka Modric and Bruno Petkovic score in extra-time to book Nations League final place

In typically dogged and clever style, Croatia beat the Netherlands in what eventually became a terrific match to set up a Nations League final against either Spain or Italy. Neither side looked much like scoring in a first half high on effort but low on quality. But then on 34 minutes Netherlands strung a few passes together and Teun Koopmeiners made use of the spare man that created, sliding in Donyell Malen who cracked home a low finish into the far corner.

Ad Croatia livened up after the break such that when their goal came it was not a surprise – though in fairness to them they’ve been excellent at scoring unexpectedly. All it took was a careless touch and foul from Cody Gakpo, Luka Modric went down in the box, and Andrej Kramaric slotted home the penalty. TransfersLivakovic lined up by Man Utd as potential De Gea replacement — Paper Round25/04/2023 AT 21:31 Then on 73 minutes, Croatia made their quality tell again, Luka Ivanusec creating a goal for Mario Pasalic.

But just as the Dutch jig looked up, and in the sixth minute of injury-time, Noa Lang planted a gorgeous finish into the far side-netting to force extra-time amid incredible scenes in the De Kuip. No team in international football knows more about how to win than Croatia, who righted themselves then found a glorious goal from Bruno Petkovic, his effort ruling low and hard into the corner. As the Netherlands committed more men forwards, they pressed for a killer goal which eventually came when Modric stroked home a penalty after Petkovic was fouled by Tyrell Malacia.