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UEFA Nations League: Spain edge past Switzerland, Croatia qualify for the next round

By News Update

New Delhi: The UEFA Nations League delivered thrilling finales as Spain, Portugal, and Croatia completed their group campaigns with dramatic matches. Spain edged Switzerland 3-2 in Tenerife, securing victory with a late penalty, while Portugal and Croatia played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Split. Both games showcased the stakes for teams aiming to finish strong or secure qualification.

Spain, already assured of top spot in Group A4, faced a spirited Swiss side destined for relegation. Despite Switzerland levelling twice, Bryan Zaragoza’s injury-time penalty sealed a dramatic win for La Roja.

In Group A1, Portugal rested Cristiano Ronaldo, having secured first place, but Joao Felix’s stunning goal highlighted their attacking quality. Croatia, needing a result to confirm second place, equalised through Josko Gvardiol and survived a tense finish to claim a crucial point. With group stages complete, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia advance, while Switzerland and Serbia face relegation battles.

Spain 3-2 Switzerland

Spain clinched a dramatic 3-2 win over Switzerland in their final Nations League Group A4 match, thanks to a late penalty. The game in Tenerife had little at stake, as Spain had already secured top spot in the group, while Switzerland were confirmed for relegation.

The hosts went ahead in the 32nd minute. Pedri, playing in his hometown, saw his penalty saved, but Yeremy Pino was quick to fire in the rebound. Switzerland found their equaliser in the 63rd minute when Joel Monteiro scored. However, Spain regained the lead just five minutes later through Bryan Gil, who capitalised on a loose ball in the box.

The drama unfolded in the closing moments. With five minutes remaining, Switzerland levelled again as Andi Zeqiri converted a penalty. But Spain had the final say. Deep into added time, Bryan Zaragoza calmly slotted home a penalty to secure all three points for La Roja.

Meanwhile, Denmark also booked a spot in the quarter-finals after a goalless draw with Serbia. Serbia needed a win to claim second place but couldn’t convert their 22 shots into a goal. Their frustration peaked when defender Strahinja Pavlovic received a red card in the dying seconds. Serbia finished third and now face a relegation play-off against a League B team. Spain topped the group with 16 points, while Switzerland ended last with just two, failing to win any of their six matches.

Croatia 1-1 Portugal

Croatia and Portugal played out a 1-1 draw in Split, securing quarter-final spots in the Nations League A Group 1. Portugal had already confirmed top place before the match, while Croatia needed a result to stay second. Both sides delivered a competitive performance.

Without Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad, Portugal took the lead in the first half. Joao Felix showcased his skill with a brilliant finish, controlling Vitinha’s precise pass before driving the ball low past Dominik Livakovic. Croatia nearly responded when Andrej Kramaric’s shot hit the post after Josko Gvardiol’s header set him up perfectly.

Gvardiol scored the equaliser in the second half. Kristijan Jakic’s cross was perfectly placed for the defender, who headed past Portugal’s Jose Sa for his first international goal since the 2022 World Cup. It was also his third for the national team.

Both teams pushed for a winner in a tense final stretch. Livakovic denied Nuno Mendes with a sharp save, while Jose Sa kept Ante Budimir out with a fingertip stop. Budimir later struck the post, leaving Croatia frustrated but satisfied with a vital point.

Portugal finished top of the group, while Croatia secured second place with eight points from six matches. Both sides now turn their focus to March’s quarter-final.

Other results

  • Poland 1-2 Scotland
  • Liechtenstein 1-3 San Marino
  • Serbia 0-0 Denmark
  • Romania 4-1 Cyprus
  • Bulgaria 1-1 Belarus
  • Luxembourg 2-2 Northern Ireland
  • Kosovo 1-0 Lithuania

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