Croatia produce trademark display with extra-time win over Netherlands to reach Nations League final
The Dutch squandered Donyell Malen’s opener in a low-key performance in Rotterdam as Andrej Kramaric’s second-half penalty was followed by Mario Pasalic’s goal.
Even after Noa Lang snatched a late leveller, Croatia produced their trademark of finding a way to win in extra time of a tournament knockout match – Bruno Petkovic the hero on this occasion.
A scrappy first half saw 13 fouls committed and three bookings dished out with neither goalkeeper making a save from a shot on goal.
Luka Modric saw a fine effort rifled into the top corner chalked off after 24 minutes but the whistle had already gone for Pasalic’s optimistic overhead kick cleaning out Nathan Ake while missing the ball.
It took just over half an hour for the game to produce an effort on target that stood with Croatia punished for giving the ball away in their own half. Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Ake played quick passes down the left flank to find Mats Wieffer, who played in Malen for a finish into the far corner.
Croatia earned a route back into the game after the break via the wily Modric, who nipped in ahead of Gakpo in a fairly innocuous position inside the box and went down at the sight of some unnecessary contact from the Liverpool forward’s arm.
Andrej Kramaric coolly tucked home the penalty to level the scores before Pasalic’s 72nd-minute strike, which came after good play from Luka Ivanusec to keep the attack alive.
Alas, Lang popped up off the bench to score off a goalmouth scramble in the 95th minute to push the tie into another 30 minutes.
Croatia took a moment to gather their thoughts as extra time began but, backed by a vocal 14,000 fans, turned the tide back in their favour with a stunning finish by substitute striker Petkovic. Modric made it 4-2 with three minutes left from the penalty spot after a dreadful challenge from Tyrell Malacia on Petkovic.
Those fans will return to De Kuip in even greater numbers on Sunday for the final against either Spain or Italy, who meet on Thursday in the other semi, while the Dutch will play host to the loser in a third-place play-off in Enschede.
