Host Netherlands remains in line for its first major trophy in 35 years. In the way is talent-rich Croatia in Wednesday’s UEFA Nations League semifinal. First touch is 2:45 p.m. EST from Rotterdam.
FS1 will broadcast, but soccer fans without cable can still watch by signing up: fuboTV (free trial) or DirecTV Stream.
Keeper Dominik Livakovic is one to watch for Croatia, the third-place finisher in the 2022 World Cup. Livakovic recently helped his Dinamo Zagreb side claim the Croatian League title by 10 points. He stopped seven shots on goal vs. Argentina in a World Cup semifinal.
Croatia had the strength in depth off the bench that was the key in extra-time, with Koeman's subs failing to make an impact and Croatia's Plan B, C and D all working exceptionally well. In the end, they were worthy winners of the game as the Netherlands seemed to run out of steam and legs and mental fortitude to go any more time against this perfectly evolved creature in red and white.
Spain or Italy will have an extremely tough task breaking down their defences and dealing with their attack, whoever makes it to the final.
Croatia will play against either Italy or Spain, who face off in the second semifinal in Enschede on Thursday, for a first major title as they continued their form from last year's World Cup in Qatar, where they finished third.
The Netherlands lost 1-0 to Portugal in the first final of the biennial Nations League during Ronald Koeman's first stint as coach of the national team. Two years later, in 2021, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe scored as France beat Spain 2-1 to take the title.
Substitute Bruno Petkovic curled home a stunning shot from the edge of the penalty area eight minutes into extra time to put Croatia on their way and Luka Modric made sure of their triumph with a late penalty, their second of the game.
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With Modric edging closer to the end of a stellar career, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic was hopeful he would be able to call on the playmaker for some time to come.
"He can be the one to help us win the gold medal," Dalic told reporters, before addressing Modric's future. "Luka will decide for himself after the finals, but with him we are way better, we have far more quality."
The Dutch, hosting the four-nation tournament, had forced extra time with a last-gasp equaliser to ensure it finished 2-2 after 90 minutes despite being largely outplayed in front of their home fans at the Feyenoord Stadium.
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