Split, Oct 06 (V7N)- Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 on Tuesday, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring twice to send the world champions into the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Croatia took the lead in the 17th minute when Ivan Perišić headed the ball into the net, leaving Spain trailing 1-0 at halftime.
Spain responded strongly after the break, with Merino introduced as a substitute. The Arsenal midfielder equalized in the 61st minute after Dani Olmo created the opportunity.
Merino then completed Spain’s comeback in the 88th minute, finishing from a pass by Martín Zubimendi to give La Roja a 2-1 lead.
Croatia were reduced to 10 men after Perišić received a second yellow card in the closing stages, further increasing Spain’s pressure.
The victory extended Spain’s winning streak to 11 matches and secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals. Spain remain top of League A3 with 12 points from four matches.
In the other Group A3 match, England defeated Czechia 3-0 at Wembley. Harry Kane scored twice and also played a key role in the opening goal, which came through a Czech own goal.
The match was also a landmark occasion for Kane, who earned his 125th England appearance to equal Peter Shilton’s record for the most caps in the country’s history. His two goals took his international tally to 91.
England moved to second in the group with nine points from three victories, while Spain maintained their perfect record and secured their quarter-final place with two group matches still remaining.
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