The Croatian national team had a difficult time in Seville in the second round of the League of Nations. The reigning world and European champions, Spain, were convincing with a 4-1 win, extending their unbeaten streak to 40 matches.
Spain took the lead in the 70th second of the match with a goal by Lamine Yamal. Croatia managed to equalise in the 28th minute with a goal from Dion Dren, who scored with a header from a cross by Ivan Perišić. Three minutes later, Spain took the lead again, with Yamal providing the assist for Marc Pubill, who scored with a header. In the 63rd minute, Yamal scored his second goal of the match, and the final 4-1 was set by Nico Williams in the 89th minute.
Yamal (19) was the man of the match. In the first half, he scored one goal and provided one assist, and in the second half, he scored again. Cameras showed Yamal leaving the pitch with a pass and a Spanish jersey over his shoulder. As reported by Spanish media, Ivan Perišić asked Yamal for a shirt, and Joško Gvardiol also approached the young Spanish player to congratulate him on his excellent performance in the first half.
As noted, 'This is unprecedented,' the footage shows that after the half, Ivan Perišić (37) approached and asked for a shirt exchange. Yamal complied with the request, handing over his jersey. Joško Gvardić also approached Yamal, congratulating him on his outstanding performance. The Spanish were visibly shocked by the actions of the Croatian players during the match against their team.
With this defeat, Croatia dropped to third place in their group, as England, with a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, took the lead. Slaven Bilić's side will play their next match in the League of Nations on Saturday, against England at Ruževica.
