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Spain defeats Croatia 2-1 to reach Nations League quarter-finals
Spain secured a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals after a 2-1 comeback victory against Croatia at the Poljud Stadium in Split. Croatia took an early lead in the 17th minute through a header by Ivan Perisic, following a rebound from a save by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Following the halftime interval, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente introduced Mikel Merino, who proved decisive. Merino scored the equalizer in the 61st minute and secured the win with a second goal in the 88th minute. The match was further influenced by a late red card for Perisic, who received a second yellow for a foul on Marc Cucurella.
The victory extends Spain's unbeaten streak to 42 matches and maintains their perfect record in the group stage. For Croatia, the result follows a heavy recent defeat to England, though the team showed improved performance and character in this contest.
Entities
Croatia · Croatia national football team · Dani Olmo · Harry Kane · Ivan Perišić · Lamine Yamal · Luis de la Fuente · Luka Modrić · Mikel Merino · Poljud Stadium · Slaven Bilić · Spain
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Luka Modrić intends to continue playing for the Croatian national team as long as he feels motivated and the coach requests his presence.
- [● 17 SOURCES] Croatia and Spain are scheduled to play a UEFA Nations League match at Poljud Stadium in Split on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. sinjskarera.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Police will implement intensive surveillance and security measures in Split due to the concurrent MED9 summit and a football match. sinjskarera.hr
- [● 15 SOURCES] The Croatian national team is coming off a 0-7 loss against England. centralna.ba
- [● 5 SOURCES] The MED9 summit, involving leaders from France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus, and Croatia, will take place in Split.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Luka Modric stated that the recent loss ruined the reputation the team had built over the years.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Luka Modric, aged 41, intends to remain with the national team to assist in its reconstruction.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Coach Slaven Bilic noted that veteran players Modric, Kovacic, and Perisic showed the most energy during the match.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Croatia lost 0-7 against England.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Croatia is scheduled to play Spain in Split as part of the Nations League.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dani Olmo is donating part of his salary to sports communities in Vukovar and Slavonski Brod.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente expects a high-quality Croatian team despite their recent heavy loss.