Spain beat Croatia 4-1 on Tuesday in a UEFA Nations League Group A3 match, marking the team's first home game since winning the World Cup. The match was played at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in Seville, according to Arab News.
Lamine Yamal, 19, scored twice and assisted another goal. Marc Pubill and Nico Williams also scored for Spain, according to multiple outlets.
The win extended Spain's unbeaten run to 40 matches, a streak that includes their World Cup final victory over Argentina in the United States in June, according to The Guardian and Arab News.
Before kickoff, captain Rodri displayed the World Cup trophy, which was handed to him by former Spain international Jesus Navas, a winner with Spain in 2010, according to Yahoo Sports.
The Guardian reported that Yamal's performance boosted his case for the Ballon d'Or award. Arab News reported that Spain will next play Czech Republic on Saturday in Group A3.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian highlighted Yamal's two goals as boosting his Ballon d'Or case.
- Left-leaning outlets noted the match was part of a wider Nations League roundup including other results.
- Reports emphasized Spain's unbeaten run reaching 40 matches.
“Teenager scores twice in 4-1 win to boost Ballon d'Or case” — The Guardian
Center
- Center outlets reported the match took place in Seville at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
- Yahoo Sports detailed the pre-match ceremony where Rodri displayed the World Cup trophy, handed to him by Jesus Navas.
- Arab News noted Spain's upcoming match against Czech Republic on Saturday.
“Captain Rodri showed off the World Cup trophy before kick-off at the packed Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, being handed it by Sevilla legend Jesus Navas, a winner with Spain in 2010.” — Yahoo Sports
Questions readers ask
What happened in the Spain vs Croatia match?
Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 on Tuesday in a UEFA Nations League Group A3 match played in Seville. Lamine Yamal scored twice and assisted another goal, with Marc Pubill and Nico Williams also scoring for Spain.
Why does this match matter?
It was Spain's first home match since winning the World Cup, and the win extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches. Lamine Yamal's performance was also noted by The Guardian as boosting his case for the Ballon d'Or award.
What did outlets focus on in their coverage?
Left-leaning and center outlets both emphasized Lamine Yamal's two goals and assist, Spain's extended unbeaten run, and the significance of the match as Spain's World Cup homecoming. Center outlet Yahoo Sports also highlighted the pre-match ceremony where captain Rodri displayed the World Cup trophy.
What happens next for Spain?
According to Arab News, Spain are scheduled to play Czech Republic next on Saturday in UEFA Nations League Group A3.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- Al Jazeera EnglishLeft-leaningYamal stars as Spain thrash Croatia
- The GuardianLeft-leaningNations League roundup: Lamine Yamal sinks Croatia in Spain’s World Cup homecoming
- Arab NewsCenterYamal inspires Spain to Croatia romp on World Cup homecoming
- France 24CenterYamal inspires Spain to Croatia romp on World Cup homecoming
- Yahoo SportsCenterYamal inspires Spain to Croatia romp on World Cup homecoming