Spain vs Netherlands LIVE: Nations League result and reaction as Spain win on penalties
Spain 3-3 Netherlands (agg. 5-5, Spain win 5-4 on penalties): Drama at the Mestalla as Spain overcame resilient Dutch in shootout
Spain edged past the Netherlands on penalties following a six-goal thriller to progress to the Nations League semi-final.
The hosts started well and took an early lead through Mikel Oyarzabal from the spot, only for the Dutch to level with their own penalty after the break - Memphis Depay this time firing high and central from the spot.
Oyarzabal then tucked away his second, finishing off a brilliant Spain counter attack, before Ian Maatsen pegged the hosts back once more to force the game into extra time.
Lamine Yamal looked to have put Spain on course to victory, but it was Xavi Simons who bagged the Netherlands's third equaliser of the night with another penalty, setting up a dramatic shootout finale.
Donyell Malen had his crucial spot-kick saved after misses from Noa Lang and Yamal for both teams as Spain booked their place in the last four.
Relive all the action and reaction from the Mestalla below:
Confirmed Spain lineup
Spain XI: Simon; Mingueza, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Olmo; Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal
More Nations League action
Scotland’s clash with Greece is the start of a big day of Nations League action on Sunday.
In two other play-offs, the Republic of Ireland face Bulgaria while Belgium play host to Ukraine, with both Ireland and Belgium returning to home soil with advantages from the away legs.
And there are two major heavyweight clashes in the quarter-finals, as Germany take on Italy while the Netherlands travel to Spain.
France also take on Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, while Portugal host Denmark. Both Croatia and Denmark are on course to pull off an upset win over their respective opponents after emerging victorious at home in midweek.
Story of the first leg
The first leg was an entertaining match at Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium, with Spain taking an early lead through Nico Williams despite early Dutch domination.
From there the Dutch continued to dominate and secured the comeback after goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders either side if half-time.
It was looking fairly comfortable for the hosts after that, until Jorrel Hato slid in studs-up and was given a red card for his challenge.
And the match completely changed from there, with Spain’s pressure eventually telling with a 93rd-minute goal from Mikel Merino.
Is the match on TV?
When is the Spain vs the Netherlands?
The second leg of the Nations League quarter-final is due to kick off at 7.45pm GMT on Sunday 23 March at Metsalla Stadium in Valencia.
How can I watch it?
There is no television coverage of the fixture in the United Kingdom. The game will, however, be available on Amazon Prime Video pay-per-view for £2.49, coverage starts at 7:35pm GMT.
Predicted line-ups
Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Van Dijk, De Ligt, van Hecke; Frimpong, Reijnders, De Jong; Geertruida; Gakpo, Kluivert, Memphis
Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Netherlands team news
Ryan Gravenberch, Denzel Dumfries and Jerdy Schouten all withdrew from the Netherlands squad ahead of the first leg and will not be available for the second.
Uncapped Youri Baas did not feature last time out but with Jorrel Hato suspended he might be in contention to play with Mattijs de Ligt expected to start in the back line. Jurrien Timber could also replace Hato as a more like-for-like option in defence.
Spain team news
Mikel Merino’s heroics in the first leg may tempt Luis de la Fuente to hand him a starting berth for this one but it seems more likely that the manager names an unchanged line-up and calls on reinforcements from the bench.
Inigo Martinez, Marc Casado and Bryan Zaragoza are all injured and will play no part in the match.
Spain vs Netherlands LIVE
Spain resume their battle with the Netherlands tonight as both countries aim to secure a spot in the Nations League semi-finals.
A thrilling first leg ended in a 2-2 draw after Nico Williams had sent the Spaniards into the lead just nine minutes into the game before Cody Gakpo equalised and Tijjani Reijnders edged the Dutch ahead just after the break.
Jorrel Hato was sent off with 10 minutes to play, and will miss this game, while Mikel Merino’s 93rd minute finish ensured the tie remains on level terms.
The victor tonight will progress to the finals tournament in either Italy or Germany next June.
Spain vs Netherlands LIVE
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s match between Spain and the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Nations League.
Both sides are vying for a place in the finals tournament in June, with Spain looking to retain the trophy they won in 2023.
And La Roja look to be in a good position to advance tonight after the 2-2 draw in Rotterdam in the first leg, though the Dutch proved then that they are capable of upsetting Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments