Croatia’s Luka Modric celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal in the UEFA Nations League semifinal against the Netherlands in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on June 14, 2023 | Image Credit: Reuters
Croatia scored twice in extra time to beat the Netherlands 4-2 in their Nations League semi-final in Rotterdam on Wednesday and advance to Sunday’s decider.
Croatia will play either Italy or Spain, who will meet in the second semi-final in Enschede on Thursday, for a first major title as they continue their form from last year’s World Cup in Qatar, where they finished third.
Substitute Bruno Petkovic headed home a stunning shot from the edge of the penalty area eight minutes into added time to put them on their way and Luka Modric ensured Croatia’s victory with a late penalty, their second in the game.
The Dutch, who are hosting the four-nation tournament, forced extra time with a last-gasp equalizer to ensure it finished 2-2 after 90 minutes despite being outplayed in front of their home fans at the Feyenoord Stadium.
