Luka Modric leads Croatia to thrilling extra-time victory over Netherlands in Nations League semi-final
Croatia stuns the Netherlands with a thrilling 4-2 victory in the Nations League semi-final, thanks to an extra-time winner from Luka Modric The hosts are left reeling as Croatia advances to the final What's next for these two talented teams?
Croatia pulled off a stunning upset against hosts Netherlands in their Nations League semi-final, with Luka Modric's extra-time goal securing a thrilling 4-2 win. Despite the Netherlands scoring a last-minute equaliser, Bruno Petkovic's stunning goal put Croatia back in the lead before Modric's age-defying performance was capped off with a decisive penalty.
In the first half, Ronald Koeman's Netherlands side took the lead thanks to Donyell Malen's well-placed shot, but they failed to capitalize on their advantage. The game took an unexpected turn when Cody Gakpo's mistake inside his own box led to a penalty for Croatia, which Andrej Kramaric converted with ease. This equalizer gave Croatia the momentum they needed to push forward.
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Croatia seemed to have the game under control after Mario Palasic scored the go-ahead goal in the 72nd minute, following an impressive play by Luka Ivanusec on the left. However, their lead was short-lived as Andrej Kramaric converted a penalty, awarded after Luka Modric was fouled by Cody Gakpo, to draw the match level.
Lang managed to score the equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage-time, much to the delight of the crowd. There was a glimmer of hope that this surge of energy would propel them to victory. However, Croatia, led by the exceptional Modric, had different plans and swiftly regained the lead with a superb goal by Petkovic.
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Croatia's Bruno Petkovic celebrates after scoring his side's third goal
He skillfully maneuvered past Frenkie de Jong and sent the ball soaring past Van Dijk, finding the back of the net with ease. The opposition had no chance of a comeback after that remarkable display of skill. Tyrell Malacia's reckless challenge on Petkovic resulted in a second penalty, which Modric effortlessly converted. It was a well-deserved victory and Modric was undoubtedly the star of the show.
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Real Madrid's Luka Modric had the edge on Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong in Rotterdam
