MADRID (Sundiata Post) – European champions Spain held off a fightback from the Netherlands to win a penalty shoot-out 5-4 and secure their place in the Nations League semi-finals after a dramatic night in Valencia.
With the tie level at 2-2 from the first leg following a late goal from Mikel Merino, title holders Spain took an early lead through Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty.
The Dutch equalised through a spot-kick from Memphis Depay early in the second half, only for Oyarzabal to put Spain back ahead.
Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen scored a debut goal with 11 minutes left to make it 2-2 on the night.
Lamine Yamal and Dutch substitute Xavi Simons, from a penalty, both scored in extra time, sending the tie to a penalty shoot-out.
After Noa Lang struck the crossbar with the Netherlands’ fourth kick, Yamal’s effort was also saved.
But Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved from Donyell Malen in sudden death with Pedri then converting to give Spain victory.
Oyarzabal had put Spain ahead in the eighth minute, converting a spot-kick after being brought down by Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
Real Sociedad forward Oyarzabal was soon sent through one-on-one with Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen and put the ball in the net, but was flagged offside.
It remained one-way traffic as Verbruggen made a smart save to deny Nico Williams following a swift counter attack.
The Dutch improved towards the end of the first half, with Frenkie de Jong’s rising shot testing Simon.
The Spain keeper was in action again at the start of the second half, with Simon out quickly to close down Kluivert after he was played in by Cody Gakpo.
The Netherlands were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute when Robin Le Normand fouled Memphis Depay.
The Corinthians forward, making his 100th Oranje appearance, took the spot-kick himself, firing past Simon into the roof of the net.
Oyarzabal struck again in the 67th minute to restore La Roja’s lead, heading in a rebound after his shot had been saved following a swift counter attack.
The Netherlands were back on level terms with 11 minutes left when Maatsen drilled in a fine angled strike.
Spain got themselves in front again late in the first period of extra time when Yamal burst into the left side of the penalty area before curling a fine strike into the far corner.
The Netherlands equalised from a penalty in the 109th minute after Simon had fouled Simons, who got up to convert the spot-kick into the far corner.
With neither side able to find a late winner, the tie was settled on penalties and Spain advanced into a semi-final with France who also needed penalties to beat Croatia. (NAN)
