CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: UEFA Nations League: Spain Beats Netherlands 5–4 on Penalties to Reach Third Consecutive Semifinal
Defending UEFA Nations League champions Spain secured a spot in the semifinals after a dramatic 5–4 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands. The thrilling quarterfinal second leg on Sunday ended in a 3–3 draw, making the aggregate score 5–5 and pushing the match to penalties.
In the shootout, Donyell Malen missed his penalty, while Barcelona’s young star Pedri calmly slotted home the decisive goal, sending Spain through.
High Drama During Regulation and Extra Time
Spain took the early lead with a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal, but Memphis Depay equalized from the penalty spot. Oyarzabal scored again to restore Spain’s lead, only for Ian Maatsen to level with a brilliant strike, taking the match into extra time.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy who had missed a penalty in the shootout, redeemed himself by scoring a beautiful goal in extra time. However, Xavi Simons equalized for the Netherlands with a penalty, pushing the game into a shootout.
Tactical Shifts and Notable Performances
After a 2–2 draw in Rotterdam in the first leg, Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente made strategic changes, starting Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo instead of Álvaro Morata and Pedri.
19-year-old Dean Huijsen, who chose to represent Spain over his birth country Netherlands, made his first appearance against the Dutch and delivered a solid performance, despite being booed by Dutch fans. Spanish supporters, however, gave him full backing.
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman handed a debut to Ian Maatsen, assigning him the key role of marking Yamal on the left flank.
In the opening minutes, Spain was awarded a penalty after Jan Paul van Hecke fouled Oyarzabal in the box. Oyarzabal converted it with precision, placing the ball in the bottom-right corner. He also netted another goal later, which was ruled offside. Nico Williams created a golden opportunity, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a stunning save.
A Community-Driven Team Spirit
Over 20,000 fans attended Spain’s open training session ahead of the match—a fundraiser for communities affected by October’s devastating storms in the Valencia region.
With this win, Spain has now reached the UEFA Nations League semifinals for the third consecutive time, taking a step closer to defending their title.
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