Croatia overcame the Netherlands 4-2 in a dramatic UEFA Nations League semi-final on Wednesday night.
The Croatians booked their spot in the final after scoring two goals in extra time, courtesy of Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric, in a thrilling encounter at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam.
The game was full of surprises, with the Netherlands forcing extra time with a last-gasp goal from Noa Lang in the sixth minute of added time. The hosts had taken an early lead through Donyell Malen, but Croatia responded with a penalty from Andrej Kramaric and a volley from Mario Pasalic to go ahead. However, Lang’s late strike made it 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes.
Croatia showed their character and quality in extra time, as Petkovic came off the bench to fire a long-range shot past Justin Bijlow, giving Croatia the lead again. Modric, the veteran midfielder, then sealed the win with a penalty four minutes from time, after Tyrell Malacia fouled him in the box.
This is only the second time that Croatia have reached an international final, after their runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup. They will face either Italy or Spain in the final, which will be played on June 18.
