Croatia stun Spain to blow England’s Nations League group wide open

Croatia 3-2 Spain: The World Cup runners-up pinned Spain in their area in the final moments and Tin Jedvaj scored on the rebound after goalkeeper David de Gea had blocked a shot

Friday 16 November 2018 00:20 GMT

Croatia celebrate their dramatic victory in Zagreb (EPA)

Defender Tin Jedvaj scored his second goal of the game in injury time to earn Croatia a 3-2 win over Spain on Thursday, a result that left both teams and group rivals England still in the running to reach the Nations League finals.

Croatia's win came two months after they were crushed 6-0 by Spain, its worst ever loss, in Seville. Spain are top of League A, Group 4 with six points. England and Croatia have four points before they meet at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. The group winners advance to the final four tournament in June.

England vs USA player ratings

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1/11England vs USA player ratings

England vs USA player ratings

Jordan Pickford - 7/10

Wasn’t tested excessively but when called upon he more than did a job. Particularly with the game in the balance at 0-0 he made a crucial stop from Christian Pulisic, staying stood as long as possible. Made good saves from Green and Weah, too. Subbed at half time.

AP

England vs USA player ratings

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8/10

Not widely praised for his defensive ability, that wasn’t important tonight. The attacking right-back scored his first England goal and at 20 years old, what a strike. Leathered the Three Lions’ second goal of the evening beyond Guzan’s grasp and for that alone, he’s receiving high praise indeed.

Action Images via Reuters

England vs USA player ratings

Michael Keane - 7/10

Solid performance but not tested greatly through England’s middle. It was USA’s wider players who caused more of a threat. Competent with the ball at his feet, as expected.

Getty Images

England vs USA player ratings

Lewis Dunk - 7/10

England debut and performed admirably. Strong as expected at the back with his only error leading to USA’s big chance but they fluffed their lines so we’ll move past it.

PA

England vs USA player ratings

Ben Chilwell - 7/10

Like his fellow full-back, looked really promising going forward and put in some delicious crosses but was well tested by Pulisic and lost him on a couple of occasions. A good performance, though.

REUTERS

England vs USA player ratings

Harry Winks - 6/10

Less influential than the other creative sparks on the pitch. Perhaps slightly harsh on him as his role is more reserved than the rest but with England shining, Winks was rather quiet. Nothing negative, but little to rave about, either.

AFP/Getty Images

England vs USA player ratings

Fabian Delph - 7/10

Another solid performer among a team of them. Did what was asked of him and got involved in some crunching tackles, too. Also set up Wilson’s goal with a good cross.

Getty Images

England vs USA player ratings

Dele Alli - 7/10

Really strong and professional in his performance this evening. Not in the limelight like Sancho, Lingard or Alexander-Arnold this evening but having only returned from injury recently, can be quite happy with his display.

PA

England vs USA player ratings

Jadon Sancho - 8/10

What a fabulous performance it was from the Dortmund winger. He was so bright on the ball, running at the defence at every opportunity and assisted the second England goal with a sumptuous ball into Alexander-Arnold’s path.

Getty Images

England vs USA player ratings

Callum Wilson - 7/10

A joyous debut for Wilson who missed a great chance to open the scoring in the first half but stretched the US defence time and time again. Finally opened his England account minutes before he was substituted and you can see what it meant to him.

AFP/Getty Images

England vs USA player ratings

Jesse Lingard - 7/10

Always a threat going forward and his opening goal set the tempo, curling the ball in from the edge of the box. A refined performance and another good one in an England shirt for Lingard.

REUTERS

With Croatia needing a victory to keep its hopes alive, the World Cup runners-up pinned Spain in their area in the final moments and Jedvaj scored on the rebound after goalkeeper David de Gea had blocked a shot.

Earlier, Andrej Kramaric opened the scoring for the home team in the 54th minute, only for Dani Ceballos to equalise two minutes later. Croatia went back ahead in the 69th when Jedvaj headed in a cross from Luka Modric, but Sergio Ramos leveled for Spain with a penalty eight minutes later after Sime Vrsaljko handled.

The team that finishes bottom of the group will be relegated to League B.

AP

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