Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente hailed his team’s coolness under huge pressure as they clinched the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League trophy.
La Roja won the battle of wills against Croatia in the final in Rotterdam on a night of narrow margins at De Kuip.
Neither side could find a breakthrough inside 90 minutes of regulation time with extra time ending in a battle towards a penalty shootout in the Netherlands.
The score is level at the end of extra time meaning it's time for penalties! 👊
Who will win, Croatia or Spain? 🇭🇷🇪🇸#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/aUFitIAb9r
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) June 18, 2023
Despite Aymeric Laporte’s missed penalty, La Roja kept their nerve, as Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal stepped up to convert the decisive spot kick and secure the trophy.
Spain win the Nations League! 🏆🇪🇸
Dani Carvajal with an outrageous Panenka penalty to claim victory 😱🤌
Unai Simón played his part as well, making two saves ✌️#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/6Kq9XnPk1g
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) June 18, 2023
That calmness at the crunch moment turned the tide for Spain and de la Fuente stated his players got their just rewards.
“I was very calm on penalties. I told them to stay calm. They are champions for me and in training they have earned this”, as per reports from Diario AS.
Spain have now sealed a first major international title since their memorable success at Euro 2012, on the back of winning Euro 2008, and the 2010 World Cup under Vicente del Bosque.
Images via Getty Images
