Spain extended their extraordinary unbeaten run to 43 games, coming from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in Split thanks to a decisive second-half double from substitute Mikel Merino.
Croatia Strike First
Croatia made the ideal start on home soil, with Ivan Perišić breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute to give the hosts a surprise early lead against the reigning world champions. Croatia held firm for the remainder of the first half, defending resolutely against a Spanish side that dominated possession but couldn’t find a way through before the break.
Merino’s Decisive Double
Spain’s response arrived through their bench. Introduced as a substitute, Mikel Merino proved the difference-maker, leveling the score in the 61st minute to restore parity. Perišić had a golden chance to put Croatia back in front, striking again in the 79th minute, but Spain refused to be denied — Merino struck for a second time deep into the match, netting the winner in the 88th minute to complete a dramatic comeback and seal a 2-1 victory.
Key Stats
The gulf in control was stark throughout, with Spain dominating possession at 72% to Croatia’s 28%, and registering 3 shots on target to Croatia’s 5 attempts, though Croatia made theirs count early. Spain’s superior passing accuracy (90% compared to Croatia’s 78%) underlined their control of the match even while trailing for large periods.
What It Means
This result extends Spain’s remarkable unbeaten streak to 43 matches, a run stretching back two and a half years, and keeps them perfect through four games in Group A3 with 12 points. For Croatia, the result continues a difficult campaign following a heavy 7-0 defeat to England, leaving them third in the group and still searching for the kind of result that could turn their Nations League campaign around.
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